As modern engineering continues to evolve at a rapid pace, certain fundamental principles consistently continue to shape the future of technology. Although concepts such as AI and nanotechnology often dominate the conversation, the true basis of innovation lies firmly in the core disciplines of Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Mechatronics. These fields go far beyond academic theory as they are also driving cutting-edge research and technological breakthroughs which have the potential of revolutionising industries as well as addressing global challenges. Therefore, this article will focus on exploring these key fields further and analysing the technology and engineering at the forefront of innovation.
Fluid Mechanics
Fluid mechanics is the study of fluids in static and dynamic situations which focuses on the relationship between forces and the motions of a continuous material (Bar-Meir, 2020). This study can be applied to a diverse range of problems such as surface tension, fluid statics, flow stability etc. From designing cooling systems in high-performance vehicles to predicting dramatic changes in weather, fluid mechanics remains vital in tackling problems in numerous industries (De Lorenzo, 2023).
Fluid mechanics is making a significant impact on various industries, particularly transportation. In 2012, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, introduced the concept of high-speed trains powered by a vacuum and magnetic levitation known as Hyperloop (Garfield, 2018). Musk’s vision for a futuristic and super high-speed transportation system would see passenger pods move through a partial vacuum in steel tubes with extremely low air pressure, which significantly reduces the air density inside the tube.
Fluid mechanics is essential in understanding how the reduced air density impacts the drag force on the pod. By lowering the air pressure, the system minimises drag, allowing the pod to travel at high speeds with less resistance, which in turn reduces energy consumption. By specifically addressing the two key factors that slow down conventional vehicles, friction and air resistance, Musk believes his concept could revolutionise ground transportation. But with an estimated price tag of one hundred and twenty-one million US dollars per mile (Leonard, 2020), Musk’s initial hyperloop concept never came to fruition. However, the impressive idea and the potential to link cities in such a direct way has sparked a large amount of interest across the world and created a whole market of companies working to make this idea a reality.
Figure 1. Euro tube’s vision for a new mode of transport, Sourced from: eurotube.org
A similar idea based on reducing the impact of friction on journey times is presented by the rapidly progressing Maglev trains in Japan. Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) trains use powerful magnets to lift the train above the track, eliminating the friction that typically occurs with wheels on rails. The train is then propelled forward by magnetic forces, allowing it to achieve very high speeds with smooth and quiet operation. Maglev trains, like Japan’s SC Maglev, can reach speeds of over 600 km/h (373 mph) (McCurry, 2015), significantly reducing travel time between cities compared to conventional trains and it aims to begin public integration by 2034 at the latest (Jiji, 2024).
Figure 2. Japanese Maglev Train, Sourced from: Japantravel.com
Both Hyperloop systems and maglev trains represent the future of high-speed, efficient transportation making fluid mechanics central to both technologies. In maglev trains, the aerodynamic design minimises friction, allowing high speeds with minimal drag. While Hyperloop systems take this further by operating in low-pressure environments, almost eliminating air resistance entirely. This reduced air resistance means the pods require less energy to maintain high speeds, making the system highly efficient.
The future may see an integration of Hyperloop and maglev technologies, combining the best of both. This could involve using Maglev for initial propulsion and levitation, while Hyperloop’s low-pressure tubes maximise speed and efficiency over long distances. Together, these technologies could revolutionise transportation and change the way travel is perceived.
Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is a branch of physics which studies the relationship between temperature, work, heat and energy on a system. However, to put it in broader terms, thermodynamics focuses on how energy is transferred from one place to another as well as from one form to another. A central idea in thermodynamics is that heat is a form of energy that corresponds to a certain amount of mechanical work (Drake, 2024). So how are the laws of thermodynamics pushing forwards innovation?
Figure 3. Parker Solar Probe, Sourced from: science.nasa.gov
The Parker Solar Probe is the first spacecraft to fly into the low solar corona which is the outermost layer of the sun’s atmosphere. Starting at about two thousand one hundred kilometres above the surface of the sun, the corona reaches half a million degrees Celsius which is more than 80 times hotter than the surface (UCAR, 2022). The spacecraft will assess the structure and dynamics of the Sun’s coronal plasma and magnetic field, the energy flow that heats the solar corona and impels the solar wind, and the mechanisms that accelerate energetic particles. The spacecraft had to withstand extreme conditions, where the principles of thermodynamics were key in managing heat, energy transfer, and ensuring the probe’s functionality.
The most significant thermodynamic challenge for the Parker Solar Probe was combatting the intense heat and radiation from the Sun. The spacecraft is equipped with a Thermal Protection System (TPS), which is a heat shield made from a carbon-composite material designed to withstand temperatures up to 1,377°C (2,511°F). The TPS is designed based on thermodynamic principles to reflect and absorb the Sun’s heat. The materials’ thermal properties, such as specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and emissivity, were carefully chosen to manage the energy flow and thermal stress in extreme conditions. The shield ensures that the spacecraft’s instruments, which operate in a much cooler environment, remain at a manageable temperature of around 30°C (86°F) despite the extreme external conditions. The TPS uses conductive and radiative heat transfer principles to manage and dissipate heat effectively (NASA, 2024).
In addition to this, the spacecraft’s design also incorporates radiators and cooling systems to manage the heat that does penetrate past the heat shield or is generated by the spacecraft’s electronics. These systems are based on the principles of heat transfer, including conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat pipes filled with a coolant fluid circulate heat away from sensitive components, while radiators dissipate excess heat into space. The careful management of these heat flows is crucial to prevent overheating of the spacecraft’s instruments.
The success of the Parker Solar Probe is a testament to the effective application of thermodynamics in space exploration. By mastering heat management, energy transfer, and material resilience, NASA was able to design a spacecraft capable of withstanding the Sun’s extreme conditions, allowing it to gather unprecedented data about our star.
Mechatronics
Mechatronics represents the intersection of mechanics, electronics, and computing and therefore collectively form the backbone of modern automation and robotics. It is the discipline that enables machines to perform complex tasks with precision and intelligence (MichiganTech, 2022).
Figure 4. Soft robots in action, Sourced from: NASA Langley research center
Soft robots represent a transformative shift in the field of robotics, emphasising flexibility, adaptability, and safety over the rigidity and precision of traditional robots. Unlike conventional robots made from hard materials like metal and plastic, soft robots are constructed from highly flexible materials such as silicone, rubber, and various polymers (Sire, 2019). This flexibility allows them to bend, stretch, and compress in ways that rigid robots cannot, making them ideal for tasks that require gentle handling or operation in unpredictable environments. The development of soft robotics is driven by the need for machines that can safely interact with humans, navigate complex spaces, and perform delicate tasks that rigid robots would struggle with, such as medical procedures or exploration in challenging terrains.
Cutting-edge technology in the field of soft robotics includes advancements in materials science, actuation systems, and control mechanisms. Researchers are currently developing new materials with properties that can be finely tuned to enhance performance. These materials often exhibit characteristics like variable stiffness, where they can transition between soft and rigid states, allowing robots to adapt to different tasks and environments. For example, materials that become rigid when exposed to a certain stimulus, such as heat or light, enable robots to gain strength or precision when needed (Tang, 2023). Additionally, self-healing materials are being explored to increase the durability and longevity of soft robots, allowing them to repair minor damages autonomously and maintain functionality in demanding applications.
Actuation systems in soft robotics have seen significant innovations, particularly with the development of artificial muscles and pneumatic actuators. Artificial muscles, often made from electroactive polymers or shape-memory alloys, mimic the natural movement of biological muscles, providing smooth and precise control over soft robot movements (Du, 2023). These actuators are capable of contracting, expanding, or bending in response to electrical or thermal stimuli, enabling a wide range of motions that are essential for tasks requiring dexterity and flexibility. Pneumatic actuators, which use air pressure to create movement, are also widely used in soft robotics. They offer a simple yet powerful method of achieving fluid, continuous motion, making them ideal for applications such as soft grippers that handle delicate objects or wearable robotics that assist human movement.
Control systems for soft robots are equally crucial and are becoming increasingly sophisticated as the field evolves. Unlike rigid robots, which can rely on precise, predefined paths, soft robots require more adaptive control systems due to their flexible and deformable nature. These systems integrate advanced sensors that provide real-time feedback on the robot’s position, shape, and interaction with its environment. Combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, these control systems enable soft robots to make real-time decisions and adjust their actions dynamically. This adaptability is crucial in environments that are unpredictable or require specific interactions, such as in healthcare, where a soft robot might need to navigate through human tissue during surgery. The interaction between these advanced control systems and the potential for innovation in developing the flexibility of soft robots paves the way for highly responsive robotic systems in the future.
Conclusion
As researchers continue to explore these fields, they are uncovering new ways to make our world more efficient and sustainable. Whether it’s through developing
(first accessed 30/08/24) cleaner energy sources, optimising transportation, or advancing robotics, the future of engineering is being shaped by the core principles of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and mechatronics. They will continue to remain at the heart of technological innovation, and fuel the next generation of breakthroughs that will define the world we live in.
This article is written by Prachi Koundinya from The Abbey School Reading
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