Winter Rain Shift Winter Rain Shift captures new evidence that changes in European winter rainfall are happening far sooner than expected — a shift that has immediate implications for infrastructure, flood risk, and climate adaptation engineering for low-carbon energy systems. In light of the findings from Newcastle University, this article reviews the technical background, why […]
UK’s £13m ENLIGHT Programme Nuclear Graphite Innovation is central to the UK’s strategy for developing advanced modular reactors and strengthening long-term energy security. Graphite is a critical material in nuclear engineering, valued for its ability to moderate neutrons and withstand extreme operating conditions. A new £13 million programme, ENLIGHT, will accelerate research into next-generation graphite
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Composite Wing Innovation in UK Aerospace In June 2025, GKN Aerospace launched the £12 million ASPIRE programme, a major step forward in Composite Wing Innovation. The initiative will deliver three full-scale wingtip variants and a composite flap design, focusing on sustainability and manufacturability (GKN Aerospace). Over three years, the programme will bring together manufacturers, SMEs,
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Marking a Decade of Support This year marks a decade of support for the Ministry of Defence’s helicopter ground support equipment. Since 2014, our team has calibrated and maintained the ATLAS TRDS laser alignment system, ensuring its accuracy and reliability. Used to align helicopter tail rotor drive shafts, the system remains a vital part of
What Is Laser Shaft Alignment? Laser shaft alignment is the precise process of measuring and correcting the position of rotating shafts so that they operate on a common axis. Using a laser head and receiver, engineers can identify both angular and offset misalignment between couplings or shafts. Data captured by the system is processed through
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Composite Materials in Modern Engineering Composite materials — especially carbon fibre reinforced polymers — have become central to modern engineering. Their unique combination of light weight, exceptional strength, and resistance to corrosion makes them invaluable in sectors where performance and efficiency are critical. To guarantee quality and reliability, engineers now rely on Composite Sample Testing,
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Can nutshells power the future? Researchers at the University of Nottingham, working with CSIRO Australia, have developed an innovative model that evaluates shells as fuels, including pistachio and walnut shells, as potential low-carbon energy sources. This pioneering research could help diversify the UK’s bioenergy portfolio, improve efficiency, and support progress toward net zero emissions. Unlocking
How can East Midlands Airport decarbonise? A new report from the University of Nottingham’s Energy Institute highlights both the challenges and opportunities of achieving net zero within the East Midlands Airport (EMA) ecosystem. The study, conducted in partnership with EPRI, forms part of the wider Airport Green Futures initiative, exploring how aviation, freight, and ground
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What regulations and standards govern sustainable practice in aerospace? Sustainability in aerospace isn’t one rulebook. It’s a mesh of global ICAO requirements, EU/EASA law, UK mandates, and industry standards that shape fuel, noise, emissions, reporting, and how programmes are run. This concise map is written for engineering and test teams. 1) Global baseline: ICAO (Annex
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Galling Test Rig (up to 300 °C): Case Study Designing a temperature-controlled tribology rig that bolts onto an existing Instron® load frame for repeatable, publishable results. Background A research team needed to study galling (adhesive wear) under user-defined conditions, including temperatures up to 300 °C and controlled contact stress. They already owned an Instron® universal
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