Technology lifts-off in time for new space shuttle
A new composite curing technology that uses high energy electron beams is set to
allow composite materials to take centre stage in the development of new
aircraft such as the proposed Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and the Space Shuttle
replacement, Venture Star. The next generation of aircraft could have entire
wings built from a single moulding of high-tech composite materials that will be
stronger and lighter than many of the traditional materials used today. page 398
Smart masts for intelligent yachts
An intelligent yacht mast that can sense the potentially catastrophic stresses
and strains caused by high winds has been developed by engineers at Smart Fibres
Ltd in Southampton, UK. By incorporating optical sensing technology into
composite mast structures, the engineers have been able to build a smart mast
that can provide sailors with a real-time picture of the stresses being placed
on the yacht. The technology will also provide engineers and designers with
longer term structural data and can feed into black-box recording in case of a
catastrophic event. page 406
Carbon goes for gold in the 2000 Olympics
Increased demand, lower costs and new manufacturing techniques mean that carbon
fibre reinforced plastics could be providing the winning edge in the yachting
events at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. These composite materials
outperform traditional materials and have opened the doorway to new devices that
fit within existing regulations but give sailors that extra added advantage.
page 403
Looking through a nanotube
The UK's first microscope for examining the deposition of layers at the atomic
level has been built by researchers at the North East Wales Institute of Higher
Education. The device could allow researchers to inspect carbon nanotubes that
could be developed into nano-sized transistors or sensors. The research team
are using the technology to examine the layers of materials used to form
semiconductors, to investigate flaws and develop processes for improving
deposition techniques. page 409
Also in this issue . . .
XPS reveals all about the state of a surface
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is an ideal technique for quantitative chemical
analysis of surfaces. page 412
Networking in cure monitoring
Ivana Partridge describes the aims and activities of Curenet, a network
promoting cure monitoring, and examines the achievements and future developments
of this UK-based network. page 401
PLEASE MENTION MATERIALS WORLD AS THE SOURCE OF THIS ITEM
For further information please contact Andrew McLaughlin on:
Tel: 44-171-451-7395
Fax: 44-171-839-2289
Email: Andrew_Mclaughlin@materials.org.uk
Notes For Editors
1. These items are due to appear in the July issue of Materials World, Volume 7,
Issue 7.
2. Materials World is the journal of The Institute of Materials, the
professional organisation of materials scientists and engineers working
throughout the world in areas involving the use and application of plastics,
rubber, steel, metals and ceramics.
3. Brief contents of Materials World are also available on the web:
www.materials.org.uk
4. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the views of the author
and are not necessarily the views of Materials World, IoM Communications or any
other organisation with which they are associated.