General Electric : The GE Brief – August 14, 2018

In order to 3D-print parts correctly, GE engineers are using a simulation software called Virfac that enables them to test designs on their computers and pinpoint risky areas prone to failure ahead of time.

Complex parts:Testing a prototype first on a computer allows engineers to save materials, expenses, and time. The software is particularly important for the aerospace industry, where 3D printing has taken on a large role. For instance, GE used the technology to combine 855 parts of an aircraft engine into just 12 parts.

Read more about the powerful softwarehere.

Last December, several members of the U.S. Air Force worked out while wearing patches with sensors that measured the level of electrolytes in their sweat. That data was transmitted wirelessly to an app where researchers could analyze it in real time.

Why it matters:Being able to spot an imbalance in electrolytes enabled the researchers to know when their subjects were dehydrated. 'This could be so important to anyone who is working in hot or high-stress conditions, like firefighters, miners or elite athletes,' said GE materials scientist Azar Alizadeh. The research was recently published in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Lab on a Chip journal.

Read more about the research and applicationshere.

Many countries are setting limits on the use of plastics, especially the single-use kind heavily used in the food service industry, like disposable straws, utensils and plastic bags.

One solution for two problems:Innovative energy companies have now started turning plastics into a source of low-carbon fuels, such a synthetic diesel, which is compatible with existing diesel engines, according to DieselNet.

Read more about fuel made from plasticshere.

1. Graphene planes
An aerospace engineering team from the University of Central Lancashire unveiled Juno, the first-ever aircraft covered with a graphene skin. Graphene-skinned planes can be lighter than traditional planes, more fuel efficient and can take on heavier payloads.

2. Reverse aging
Scientists at the University of Exeter have created new compounds that reverse the aging of human cells. Nearly half of the cells exposed to the compounds showed signs of rejuvenation. 'This may well be the basis for a new generation of anti-degenerative drugs,' study author Lorna Harries said.

3. Unmanned solar aircraft
An unmanned solar-powered aircraft has completed a flight that lasted nearly 26 days - 'the longest duration flight ever made,' according to its maker Airbus. The craft, called Zephyr S, combines duties typically associated with satellites, such as defense, mapping and environmental services, with the flexibility of a drone.

Plus, blue light vision damage and lightweight paper batteries in this week'sCoolest Things on Earth.

- QUOTE OF THE DAY -

Using the 3D printing simulation software, clients 'can save a lot of money, accelerate the design phase, and they can accelerate going to market.'

- Laurent D'Alvise, founder of GeonX, a GE Additive company

Quote: GE Reports. Images: GE Reports.

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