Austin Weber

Aerospace engineers are working on new designs that will dramatically change the future shape of aircraft. The goal is to create quieter commercial airplanes that burn less fuel and emit less nitrogen oxide (NOx) than today’s jetliners.

Traditionally, aircraft engines generate an excessive amount of heat. Engineers are attempting to capture some of that wasted heat and convert it into electrical power with the aid of a thermoelectric generator.

A century ago, airships were a hot trend in the fast-growing aerospace industry. The future looked bright, until the Hindenburg disaster in 1937. Today, a new generation of airships that claim to be the greenest aircraft in the sky may transform 21st century aviation, especially for cargo and surveillance applications.

When commercial airliners taxi to and from runways, they burn up a lot of fuel, creating poor air quality around many airports. An engineer in Phoenix has invented a way to harness that waste and use it to power wind turbines. 

For centuries, engineers and inventors have attempted to fly by flapping bird-like wings. Leonardo da Vinci sketched the first human-powered ornithopter in 1485, but it remained an elusive dream until recently.

Whether joining two wires together or attaching multiple wires directly to a terminal or assembly, engineers must choose between resistance welding, soldering and ultrasonic welding.

Eaton Corp.'s Lincoln, IL, plant is the recipient of the 2010 Assembly Plant of the Year award. But, the other four finalists are also quite impressive, because they have improved productivity by harnessing technology and lean manufacturing principles.

Eaton Corp.'s residential products plant in Lincoln, IL, has remained innovative and cost-efficient, despite the challenging housing market.

Aerospace OEMs and suppliers are investing billions of dollars to develop green technology, such as advanced jet engines and lightweight materials.

Would you pay more than $5,000 to assemble the engine of your new car? That's what a GM customer is doing today.