#electrical and control systems

[sentientstump]

goodbye waynehouse, i have a job now

[stone-cold-groove]

New radar sky-watch to guard arctic frontier. Western Electric ad - 1952.

[newyorkthegoldenage]

Office of the system operator of New York Edison Co., which distributed all the power generated by the Edison and Allied Companies, October 9, 1928. It looks like old Hollywood's idea of a computer, but the reality was much lower tech. In case of a storm, the operator rang a bell from the storm detector on the roof and ordered the stations to increase their capacity. He knew the capacity, the numbers of feeders in operation, and the voltage generated by looking at the control pilot board, shown above.

Photo: Bettmann Archive/Getty Images/Fine Art America

[dizzyditzyboy]

My transition goals is Edgar from Electric Dreams 1984!

[jcmarchi]

Studying astrophysically relevant plasma physics

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/studying-astrophysically-relevant-plasma-physics/

Studying astrophysically relevant plasma physics

Thomas Varnish loves his hobbies — knitting, baking, pottery — it’s a long list. His latest interest is analog film photography. A picture with his mother and another with his boyfriend are just a few of Varnish’s favorites. “These moments of human connection are the ones I like,” he says.

Varnish’s love of capturing a fleeting moment on film translates to his research when he conducts laser interferometry on plasmas using off-the-shelf cameras. At the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, the third-year doctoral student studies various facets of astrophysically relevant fundamental plasma physics under the supervision of Professor Jack Hare.

It’s an area of research that Varnish arrived at organically.

A childhood fueled by science

Growing up in Warwickshire, England, Varnish fell in love with lab experiments as a middle-schooler after joining the science club. He remembers graduating from the classic egg-drop experiment to tracking the trajectory of a catapult, and eventually building his own model electromagnetic launch system. It was a set of electromagnets and sensors spaced along a straight track that could accelerate magnets and shoot them out the end. Varnish demonstrated the system by using it to pop balloons. Later, in high school, being a part of the robotics club team got him building a team of robots to compete in RoboCup, an international robot soccer competition. Varnish also joined the astronomy club, which helped seed an interest in the adjacent field of astrophysics.

Varnish moved on to Imperial College London to study physics as an undergraduate but he was still shopping around for definitive research interests. Always a hands-on science student, Varnish decided to give astronomy instrumentation a whirl during a summer school session in Canada.

However, even this discipline didn’t quite seem to stick until he came upon a lab at Imperial conducting research in experimental astrophysics. Called MAGPIE (The Mega Ampere Generator for Plasma Implosion Experiments), the facility merged two of Varnish’s greatest loves: hands-on experiments and astrophysics. Varnish eventually completed an undergraduate research opportunity (UROP) project at MAGPIE under the guidance of Hare, his current advisor, who was then a postdoc at the MAGPIE lab at Imperial College.

Part of Varnish’s research for his master’s degree at Imperial involved stitching together observations from the retired Herschel Space Telescope to create the deepest far-infrared image ever made by the instrument. The research also used statistical techniques to understand the patterns of brightness distribution in the images and to trace them to specific combinations of galaxy occurrences. By studying patterns in the brightness of a patch of dark sky, Varnish could discern the population of galaxies in the region.

Move to MIT

Varnish followed Hare (and a dream of studying astrophysics) to MIT, where he primarily focuses on plasma in the context of astrophysical environments. He studies experimental pulsed-power-driven magnetic reconnection in the presence of a guide field.

Key to Varnish’s experiments is a pulsed-power facility, which is essentially a large capacitor capable of releasing a significant surge of current. The electricity passes through (and vaporizes) thin wires in a vacuum chamber to create a plasma. At MIT, the facility currently being built at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC) by Hare’s group is called: PUFFIN (PUlser For Fundamental (Plasma Physics) INvestigations).

In a pulsed-power facility, tiny cylindrical arrays of extremely thin metal wires usually generate the plasma. Varnish’s experiments use an array in which graphite leads, the kind used in mechanical pencils, replace the wires. “Doing so gives us the right kind of plasma with the right kind of properties we’d like to study,” Varnish says. The solution is also easy to work with and “not as fiddly as some other methods.” A thicker post in the middle completes the array. A pulsed current traveling down the array vaporizes the thin wires into a plasma. The interactions between the current flowing through the plasma and the generated magnetic field pushes the plasma radially outward. “Each little array is like a little exploding bubble of magnetized plasma,” Varnish says. He studies the interaction between the plasma flows at the center of two adjacent arrays.

Studying plasma behavior

The plasma generated in these pulsed-power experiments is stable only for a few hundred nanoseconds, so diagnostics have to take advantage of an extremely short sampling window. Laser interferometry, which images plasma density, is Varnish’s favorite. In this technique, a camera takes a picture of a split laser beam, one arm of which encounters the plasma and one that doesn’t. The arm that hits the plasma produces an interference pattern when the two arms are recombined. Capturing the result with a camera allows researchers to infer the structure of the plasma flows.

Another diagnostic method involves placing tiny loops of metal wire in the plasma (called B-dots), which record how the magnetic field in the plasma changes in time. Yet another way to study plasma physics is using a technique called Faraday rotation, which measures the twisting of polarized light as it passes through a magnetic field. The net result is an “image map of magnetic fields, which is really quite incredible,” Varnish says.

These diagnostic techniques help Varnish research magnetic reconnection, the process by which plasma breaks and reforms magnetic fields. It’s all about energy redistribution, Varnish says, and is particularly relevant because it creates solar flares. Varnish studies how having not-perfectly-opposite magnetic field lines might affect the reconnection process.

Most research in plasma physics can be neatly explained by the principles of magnetohydrodynamics, but the phenomena observed in Varnish’s experiments need to be explained with additional theories. Using pulsed power enables studies over longer length scales and time periods than in other experiments, such as laser-driven ones. Varnish is looking forward to working on simulations and follow-up experiments on PUFFIN to study these phenomena under slightly different conditions, which might shed new light on the processes.

At the moment, Varnish’s focus is on programming the control systems for PUFFIN so he can get it up and running. Part of the diagnostics system involves ensuring that the facility will deliver the plasma-inducing currents needed and perform as expected.

Aiding LGBTQ+ efforts

When not working on PUFFIN or his experiments, Varnish serves as co-lead of an LGBTQ+ affinity group at the PSFC, which he set up with a fellow doctoral student. The group offers a safe space for LGBTQ+ scientists and meets for lunch about once a month. “It’s been a nice bit of community building, and I think it’s important to support other LGBTQ+ scientists and make everyone feel welcome, even if it’s just in small ways,” Varnish says, “It has definitely helped me to feel more comfortable knowing there’s a handful of fellow LGBTQ+ scientists at the center.”

Varnish has his hobbies going. One of his go-to bakes is a “rocky road,” a British chocolate bar that mixes chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. His research interests, too, are a delicious concoction mixed together: “the intersection of plasma physics, laboratory astrophysics, astrophysics (the won’t-fit-in-a-lab kind), and instrumentation.”

[stone-cold-groove]

Jet bombers won’t wait. Western Electric ad - 1955.

[paxtonvaldovinos]

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[moderatetoaboveaverage]

"Boil water to turn fan" as if multistage steam turbine generators are not one of the sexiest kinds of machines every made

nuclear power is impressive until you get up to why. "we use the most precisely engineered machinery ever created to split atoms to release energy" oh yeah how come? "boil water to turn a fan" get the fuck out

[epropelledsystems]

UAV Motor Components

Learn about the UAV motor components of an electric motor for a UAV and how it contributes to energy efficiency and overall performance.

[marketresearchnews24]

Smart Traction: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive Market Accelerates to $49.3 Billion by 2030

The intelligent all-wheel drive market is experiencing remarkable momentum as automotive manufacturers integrate advanced electronics and artificial intelligence into drivetrain systems to deliver superior performance, safety, and efficiency. With an estimated revenue of $29.9 billion in 2024, the market is projected to grow at an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2024 to 2030, reaching $49.3 billion by the end of the forecast period. This robust growth reflects the automotive industry's evolution toward smarter, more responsive drivetrain technologies that adapt dynamically to changing road conditions and driving scenarios.

Evolution Beyond Traditional All-Wheel Drive

Intelligent all-wheel drive systems represent a significant advancement over conventional mechanical AWD configurations, incorporating sophisticated electronic controls, multiple sensors, and predictive algorithms to optimize traction and handling in real-time. These systems continuously monitor wheel slip, steering input, throttle position, and road conditions to make instantaneous adjustments to torque distribution between front and rear axles, and increasingly between individual wheels.

Unlike traditional AWD systems that react to wheel slip after it occurs, intelligent systems use predictive algorithms and sensor data to anticipate traction needs before wheel slip begins. This proactive approach enhances vehicle stability, improves fuel efficiency, and provides superior performance across diverse driving conditions from highway cruising to off-road adventures.

Consumer Demand for Enhanced Safety and Performance

Growing consumer awareness of vehicle safety and performance capabilities is driving increased demand for intelligent AWD systems. Modern drivers expect vehicles that can confidently handle adverse weather conditions, challenging terrain, and emergency maneuvering situations. Intelligent AWD systems provide these capabilities while maintaining the fuel efficiency advantages of front-wheel drive during normal driving conditions.

The rise of active lifestyle trends and outdoor recreation activities has increased consumer interest in vehicles capable of handling diverse terrain and weather conditions. Intelligent AWD systems enable crossovers and SUVs to deliver genuine all-terrain capability without compromising on-road refinement and efficiency.

SUV and Crossover Market Expansion

The global shift toward SUVs and crossover vehicles is a primary driver of intelligent AWD market growth. These vehicle segments increasingly offer AWD as standard equipment or popular options, with intelligent systems becoming key differentiators in competitive markets. Manufacturers are positioning advanced AWD capabilities as premium features that justify higher trim levels and increased profitability.

Luxury vehicle segments are particularly driving innovation in intelligent AWD technology, with features such as individual wheel torque vectoring, terrain-specific driving modes, and integration with adaptive suspension systems. These advanced capabilities create compelling value propositions for consumers seeking both performance and versatility.

Electric Vehicle Integration Opportunities

The electrification of automotive powertrains presents unique opportunities for intelligent AWD systems. Electric vehicles can implement AWD through individual wheel motors or dual-motor configurations that provide precise torque control impossible with mechanical systems. Electric AWD systems offer instant torque delivery, regenerative braking coordination, and energy management optimization.

Hybrid vehicles benefit from intelligent AWD systems that coordinate internal combustion engines with electric motors to optimize performance and efficiency. These systems can operate in electric-only AWD mode for quiet, emissions-free driving or combine power sources for maximum performance when needed.

Advanced Sensor Technology and Data Processing

Modern intelligent AWD systems incorporate multiple sensor technologies including accelerometers, gyroscopes, wheel speed sensors, and increasingly, cameras and radar systems that monitor road conditions ahead of the vehicle. Machine learning algorithms process this sensor data to predict optimal torque distribution strategies for varying conditions.

GPS integration enables intelligent AWD systems to prepare for upcoming terrain changes, weather conditions, and road characteristics based on location data and real-time traffic information. This predictive capability allows systems to optimize performance before challenging conditions are encountered.

Manufacturer Competition and Innovation

Intense competition among automotive manufacturers is driving rapid innovation in intelligent AWD technology. Brands are developing proprietary systems with unique characteristics and branding to differentiate their vehicles in crowded markets. This competition accelerates technological advancement while providing consumers with increasingly sophisticated options.

Partnerships between automotive manufacturers and technology companies are creating new capabilities in intelligent AWD control systems. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced materials are being integrated to create more responsive and efficient systems.

Regional Market Dynamics

Different global markets exhibit varying demand patterns for intelligent AWD systems based on climate conditions, terrain characteristics, and consumer preferences. Northern markets with harsh winter conditions show strong demand for advanced traction systems, while emerging markets focus on systems that provide value-oriented performance improvements.

Regulatory requirements for vehicle stability and safety systems in various regions influence the adoption of intelligent AWD technology. Standards for electronic stability control and traction management create baseline requirements that intelligent AWD systems can exceed.

Manufacturing and Cost Considerations

The increasing sophistication of intelligent AWD systems requires significant investment in research and development, manufacturing capabilities, and supplier relationships. However, economies of scale and advancing semiconductor technology are helping to reduce system costs while improving performance and reliability.

Modular system designs enable manufacturers to offer different levels of AWD sophistication across vehicle lineups, from basic intelligent systems in entry-level models to advanced torque-vectoring systems in performance vehicles.

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[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"Break-out: The prison was warned?" Kingston Whig-Standard. July 17, 1972. Page 1 & 2. ---- By STEVE HUMMELL L-A Bureau Chief NAPANEE - On two separate occasions before the Millhaven Institution escape last Monday, from which six convicts remain at large, prison officials were told by at least one reliable convict informer that the escape would take place later that night, a reliable penitentiary source has told The Whig-Standard.

A correctional officer at Millhaven, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of losing his job, said over the weekend that one informer who was addicted to "pills" made a deal with the prison authorities to tell them of "something big" if they supplied him with the drugs.

According to the reliable penitentiary source the pills were turned over to the inmate and he told authorities at 7 p.m. Monday there would be a "big break" later that night.

He said "because of the nature of the convict" the prison authorities did not believe him. During a headcount following a softball game at the institution the 14 convicts were found to be missing. This was at approximately 10 p.m., three hours after authorities were alleged to have been told about the break.

About 8 p.m., said the prison guard, those that were going to make the break went to the yard except one who got confused about the times. So he "cut up" which means attempting to commit suicide in prison jargon, he added.

"The prison authorities should have realized then that there was something up because he's not that type," the officer commented. "The break was planned, I presume, between 8 and 9 p.m…"

He said another inmate informer, who has been a reliable source of information to the prison authorities for a number of years, told them there was going to be an attempted break shortly after the suicide incident at 8 p.m. but no preventative action was taken.

He said prison guards were told to keep on extra alert but no other action was taken that he was aware of.

"My question is why did the authorities not do anything when given this information by a reliable source," commented the prison guard. "Why he (Millhaven Warden J. D. Clark) didn't take more initiative, I don't know,"

The penitentiary source said inmate Thomas McCauley who was the first to escape from the institution last year, planned the break ever since he was recaptured.

He said that Thomas McCauley, serving 25 years for armed robbery and two charges of escape, was the ringleader, as well as Donald Oag, 22, serving 11 years for man-slaughter, assault causing bodily harm, escape, two charges of robbery and possession of burglary tools.

He said that McCauley and Oag took the other 12 inmates along with them to confuse their escape and cover the trail. All of this information was gleaned from reliable inmate sources that have been reliable for a number of years, said the guard.

One factor that aided in the escape, said the guard, was the attitude of the prison staff regarding the administration. He said petty problems such as guards not getting overtime and meal allowances on time was a contributing factor which aided in the ultimate success of the escape, the largest in Canadian history.

The officer said that warden Donald Clark issued instructions to the penitentiary staff last September to conclude all recreation activities for inmates after 8 p.m.

He said the inmates retaliated with threats and the recreation periods were then extended to dusk.

He said originally there were two guards with dogs pa-trolling between the four guard towers but warden Clark was responsible for this number being cut in half. And because the inmates complained "they didn't like the dogs because they barked at them," one was taken off duty, said the correctional officer.

Another incident that has never been reported, he said, is the number of "cutups" (attempted suicides) and "smashups," when inmates damage penitentiary property.

He advised that at one time recently one whole wing of the institution was badly wrecked by the inmates but news of this did not leak out to the public.

A policeman, lawyer and correctional officer have been appointed to investigate the Millhaven Institution escape. Solicitor-general Jean-Pierre Goyer announced Friday that the three will "carry out a full and complete inquiry into all circumstances surrounding the escape."

The special commission is asked to report back as soon as possible and not later than Aug. 1. The solicitor-general said the commission will not only deal with the escape but will make recommendations on how to correct the situation, if it has to be corrected. It would decide whether more equipment and more men are required.

///

"Asked to comment: Warden J. D. Clark denies most charges," Kingston Whig-Standard. July 17, 1972. Page 1 & 2. ---- Millhaven warden, J. D. Clark denied this morning the majority of charges by the unnamed correctional officer. He specifically denied that there was any warning the escape was to take place.

Answering questions carefully, warden Clark said the statement that prison authorities made a deal with an inmate for information about the escape was "completely untrue," and this statement reflects on the credibility of the source.

Asked if an inmate had attempted to commit suicide about 8 p.m. on Monday he said: "One inmate made an effort at self mutilation." He advised that the inmate did not require hospitalization and attempted to slash himself with an object. He said he did not know what part of the inmate's body was ininjured.

About inmate Thomas McCauley being the ringleader of the escape, which allegedly had been planned since his first escape from Millhaven, warden Clark declined comment. He said the matter is "in the hands of the commission of inquiry."

Warden Clark said he has not been made aware of any internal problems between the administration and staff, as charged by the penitentiary source... "any scheduled for annual leave today are on it or supposed to be," he commented.

He said the recreation periods outside for inmates is terminated at 9:45 each night and 11 for inside the institution. When queried as to whether the recreation time had been extended recently from 8 p.m. he indicated he could not remember. He added that he could re-member back as far as when the recreation period ended at 3:30 p.m. but not specifically 8 p.m.

Warden Clark declined comment on whether the number of officers patrolling the outside fence area had been cut recently from two to one officer and dog.

"That is another matter for the commission of inquiry," he added.

Asked if there had been an increasing number of suicide attempts and damage to the institution property by the inmates he indicated there had not been enough "even to approach significance."