New technologies Optical Fibres BTEC First Engineering New technologies Optical Fibres Optical fibres are cables not metal but are thin strands of glass. Communication signals (internet, phone etc) are sent down the glass by shining light which is reflected along the fibre. They are able to send data at much faster speeds, with greater bandwidth. Much more information can be transmitted along the same size of cable. Copper wire is easier to connect (Optical fibres are difficult to join easily) but are slower, heavier and carry less information http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa_pre_2011/radiation/sendingrev1.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_fiber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MwMkBET_5I Teacher notes (PS 8): Optical fibres – replaced copper wire. Much faster speeds, with greater bandwidth. Much more information can be transmitted along the same size of cable. Hydrogen fuel cells – the energy produced is clean, with only heat and water as waste products. Engines that use hydrogen fuel cells are quieter and more simple than petrol or diesel engines. Surface nanotechnology – different chemicals can be used on materials to give them differing surface properties. One good example is self-cleaning windows. Telematics – similar to satellite navigation systems, a telematics system can be used to track locations of vehicles by using GPS references and ICT systems combined. Blended wing bodies – different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs. Bionics – small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example. © Pearson Education Ltd 2012. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. 1

To be able to design exam questions and mark schemes which demonstrate your knowledge. To be able to identify and explain new developments in engineering materials and technologies.

New technologies Hydrogen fuel cells BTEC First Engineering New technologies Hydrogen fuel cells Hydrogen Fuel cells are used to power cars but do not BURN fuel so do not create pollution Instead they use Hydrogen in a CHEMICAL REACTION which produces Electricity and Water (and no pollution) They are also quieter and simpler than traditional combustion engines although at the moment they Cost more and petrol stations don’t sell Hydrogen It is also important that the Hydrogen is gathered using renewable sources of energy. Otherwise getting the Hydrogen in the first place can use fossil fuels and cause climate change http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/tech/hydrogen http://inventors.about.com/od/sstartinventions/ss/Physics_Illustr_2.htm#step-heading http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_cell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UwSazq8GTU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSxPkyZOU7E Teacher notes (PS 8): Optical fibres – replaced copper wire. Much faster speeds, with greater bandwidth. Much more information can be transmitted along the same size of cable. Hydrogen fuel cells – the energy produced is clean, with only heat and water as waste products. Engines that use hydrogen fuel cells are quieter and more simple than petrol or diesel engines. Surface nanotechnology – different chemicals can be used on materials to give them differing surface properties. One good example is self-cleaning windows. Telematics – similar to satellite navigation systems, a telematics system can be used to track locations of vehicles by using GPS references and ICT systems combined. Blended wing bodies – different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs. Bionics – small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example. © Pearson Education Ltd 2012. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. 3

New technologies Surface nanotechnology BTEC First Engineering New technologies Surface nanotechnology Surface NanoTechnology is where a microscopic coating is applied to surfaces so that nothing sticks to them Self cleaning windows can be made this way so that even though dust and dirt may land on the glass, whenever it rains they will wash off on their own The big advantage is not having to pay window cleaners or put up with dirty windows However there is a cost involved in applying the coating in the first place. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/21c/materials_choices/nanotechnologyrev1.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotechnology http://www.nanosurfacesolutions.com/ http://www.upenn.edu/spotlights/nanotech-innovation-keeps-surfaces-clean-and-transparent https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkT9AsqCREs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BVu1wqJN3w Teacher notes (PS 8): Optical fibres – replaced copper wire. Much faster speeds, with greater bandwidth. Much more information can be transmitted along the same size of cable. Hydrogen fuel cells – the energy produced is clean, with only heat and water as waste products. Engines that use hydrogen fuel cells are quieter and more simple than petrol or diesel engines. Surface nanotechnology – different chemicals can be used on materials to give them differing surface properties. One good example is self-cleaning windows. Telematics – similar to satellite navigation systems, a telematics system can be used to track locations of vehicles by using GPS references and ICT systems combined. Blended wing bodies – different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs. Bionics – small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example. © Pearson Education Ltd 2012. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. 4

New technologies Telematics BTEC First Engineering New technologies Telematics GPS, Mobile Telecommunications and ICT combined to track and manage the location of Cars and Trucks GPS = Global Positioning System Helps with: Navigation, Logistics (making sure the right vehicles are in the right place at the right time) and communication Teacher notes (PS 8): Telematics – similar to satellite navigation systems, a telematics system can be used to track locations of vehicles by using GPS references and ICT systems combined. Blended wing bodies – different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs. Bionics – small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example. © Pearson Education Ltd 2012. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. 5

New technologies Blended Wing Bodies BTEC First Engineering New technologies Blended Wing Bodies Advanced aircraft designs consisting of large aerofoil wings joined to an aircraft body. different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs. Reduce fuel costs. Combined with lightweight composite materials for maximum fuel efficiency Teacher notes (PS 8): Telematics – similar to satellite navigation systems, a telematics system can be used to track locations of vehicles by using GPS references and ICT systems combined. Blended wing bodies – different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs. Bionics – small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example. © Pearson Education Ltd 2012. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. 6

New technologies Bionics BTEC First Engineering New technologies Bionics small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example. Prosthetic Limbs with electronic motors or bluetooth control Teacher notes (PS 8): Telematics – similar to satellite navigation systems, a telematics system can be used to track locations of vehicles by using GPS references and ICT systems combined. Blended wing bodies – different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs. Bionics – small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example. © Pearson Education Ltd 2012. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. 7