Higher, Deeper, Farther

15
April 2019

Higher, Deeper, Farther

Transport equipment is on the verge of dramatic changes. The creators of traveling, floating and flying machines were informed about the launch of industrial production of a biocomposite material whose foundation is based on the principle of a spider web. Ten years ago, after deciphering the DNA of arthropods, scientists were able to isolate the genes responsible for the strongest natural threads on the planet. The German manufacturer of polymer silk, AMSilk put this invention on the conveyor belt in their facility on the outskirts of Munich. In giant tanks, microorganisms ferment protein, from the fibers of which fabric is woven, surpassing many steel grades in strength. Its first major customer was Airbus Aircraft Corporation. Biosteel will replace the traditional components of the hull frame and wings in the new Airbus A350 XWB, which will significantly reduce the weight of the plane and improve its performance.

The web has already seriously influenced the development of concepts in shipbuilding and the automotive industry. Its outstanding quality parameters and affordability makes the technology a breakthrough to of the future. Scottish physicists further boosted innovative ideas in the field of transport. Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh published a report on the successful completion of testing equipment for welding glass to metals and nanomaterials. A specially designed laser system is now capable of providing a reliable hermetic connection without expensive laboratory conditions that can withstand the range from – 50 to +90 Celsius. In the engineering industry, with the introduction of such technology, it will be possible to implement many now seemingly fantastic ideas.

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