Most rockets convert the energy stored in their propellant mass into the mechanical energy required to expel it as exhaust. The 'rocket equation', which describes how a rocket's speed changes with mass, is usually derived by assuming that this fuel is expelled at a constant relative velocity. However, this is a poor assumption for cases where the…

This article is based on a case study that follows the trajectory of a technological device aimed at environmental education from the engineering laboratory in which it was designed into the contexts in which it is used. "Greendrive" is a driving simulator that accurately reproduces the performance of a vehicle in terms of fuel…

The National Academy of Engineering's annual meeting focused on the promise and problems of synthetic fuels development. (BB)

With the Arab oil embargo of 1973, the United States became aware of its dependence on foreign fuel to maintain its productive capacity, employment base, political autonomy, strategic security, and living standard. An engineering Task Force on Energy was appointed to provide an informed assessment of the realistic strategies that could be…