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🚀 China develops 'world's most powerful' hypersonic engine that could reach Mach 16

🚀 China develops 'world's most powerful' hypersonic engine that could reach Mach 16

Plus: Cigarette to fuel, Plants detect volcanic activity, and World's first energy loader

Shubhangi Dua
December 28, 2023

Researchers in Chinese hypersonic weaponry have purportedly developed the "world's most potent rotating detonation engine." This breakthrough innovation, regarded as "revolutionary," aims to propel aircraft to altitudes of 18.6 miles (30 km) and achieve speeds approximately at Mach 16.

If validated, such remarkable velocity could substantially shorten intercontinental flight durations to mere hours while drastically reducing fuel consumption compared to traditional jet engines. Find out more in today’s Must Read.

In another fascinating discovery, Scientists observed that utilizing satellite images to monitor plant health could enable more timely volcanic warnings.

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I'm Shubhangi, the editorial assistant at IE and this is the Blueprint! Let’s get into it!

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Engineering recap 2023

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MUST READ

🚀 China develops 'world's most powerful' hypersonic engine that could reach Mach 16

This groundbreaking engine, claimed as "revolutionary," is allegedly designed by Zhang Yining and his team at the Beijing Power Machinery Institute in collaboration with the People's Liberation Army's 93160 Unit. The engine functions in two primary modes, the first being a sub-Mach 7 mode operating as a continuous rotating detonation engine (RDE). In this mode, outside air blends with fuel and ignites, generating a shock wave that travels within an annular chamber. As the rotation continues, this shock wave ignites more fuel, generating a consistent and forceful thrust for the aircraft.

Despite Zhang and his team not disclosing their engine's efficiency in their research paper, previous scientific approximations suggest that nearly 80 percent of chemical energy from combustible gases could convert into kinetic energy. This marks a significant enhancement in efficiency compared to conventional turbofan engines, which typically operate at 20-30 percent efficiency and rely on slower and gentler combustion processes.

SCIENCE

🌋 Satellite images reveal plants know when a volcano is about to erupt

A recent study suggests that scrutinizing plant behavior could offer an early indication of impending volcanic activity, leading to more prompt warnings and preparations. The research delves into a novel approach that examines plant behavior as a potential precursor to volcanic eruptions.

A team of scientists from McGill University delved into investigating whether the well-being of plants could function as an indirect signal for volcanic activity.

INNOVATION

⚡️ World's first new energy loader production line debuts, could cut 177,500 tons of CO2 yearly

In pursuit of enhancing sustainability within the construction sector, Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG), a Chinese corporation, has launched the world's first production line dedicated to new energy loaders in Xuzhou, China. XCMG asserts that this new production line plays a role in reducing emissions across Scope I, II, and III categories. Scope 1 refers to direct emissions under the company's control, while Scope 2 and 3 involve indirect emissions arising from company activities but stemming from unregulated sources.