THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF CHANGE over the last month here at Mechanical Engineering. Longtime readers will be used to seeing the sagely remarks of Jeffrey Winters in this section, but in case you missed it in our last issue, he has set off on a new adventure: retirement. When we last spoke, he mentioned that some of his plans include catching mid-afternoon movies, finishing some books, and touching grass until his hands turn green. Lofty goals indeed.
While we navigate the daunting task of moving forward without his guidance, our dedicated team of editors is working to make sure ME continues to push ever onward in its mission to share the whos, whats, and hows behind the technologies that move the world. And of course, supporting ASME in its mission to advance engineering for the good of humanity.
Perhaps I’m aging myself by saying I remember the days of dial up internet connections, but as I write this on our newfangled digital platform, I appreciate that bringing ME to all our members is easier than ever thanks to said internet (which sure is a lot faster these days). But a lot of folks still don’t realize that our ability to instantly access all the data we want (and share cat videos) is thanks to the hundreds of thousands of miles of fiber-optic undersea cables winding around the world, which actually transmit data faster than satellites.
That’s the focus of this month’s cover story, “Connected by Sea.” Tom Gibson dove into the rather niche industry that is manufacturing, installing, and maintaining submarine cables, and explored the opportunities that this specialized sector offers to engineers of all backgrounds. It’s a fascinating read.
In another part of in the issue, we take a look at some innovative tools that were built to survive extremes of multiple kinds. Leslie Nemo spoke with three different teams: one that developed a drill with the ability to cut through Antarctic ice, another assembling a device that sends sensors into severe storms, and a group that built a submersible that can sneak up on creatures in the darkest depths of the ocean.
Nemo wrote that even though the engineers behind these tools are making deliberate choices about what goes into each device, since this equipment gets sent into places where humans have spent little to no time themselves, experiments often become part of the designs themselves.
Terry Hock, a researcher developing meteorological equipment, told Nemo that even though he “love[s] to design stuff from the ground up and analyze it all ahead of time [...] that’s not how we did it whatsoever.”
There’s plenty more to read in this issue beyond our features. We have stories about new research into better ways to manufacture adhesives inspired by geckos, getting the bubbles out of 3D-printed polymers, a class of aviation fuel cells that could unlock electrified ships and planes, and how researchers are growing cartilage in a lab for new osteoarthritis treatments.
Earlier this year, the ASME Video Production team spent some time with Drew Lentz, ASME’s senior director of membership, who shared some insights into how the idea of membership, not just at ASME, is evolving. And we have a profile about ASME Member Michelle Delk, who has overcome numerous setbacks on her path toward a graduate degree in engineering.
Life’s pathways often bring about the unexpected. Growing up, I wanted to write epic novels and tell grand stories. My dad—a mechanical engineer (and ASME member), as luck would have it—suggested doing something that might actually pay the bills. Journalism it was. I’ve spent a long time writing about the amazing people who build and create things that make the world a better place. I did a decade-long stint over at Engineering News-Record covering everything construction, which unlocked the path that led me to Mechanical Engineering, where I’m getting the chance to tell some of those grand stories I always wanted to—this time about the engineers who are changing the world, one innovation at a time.
—Louise Poirier, managing editor
There’s more to ASME than the magazine. Be sure to check out these features.
Some of our most recent episodes include:
COMMERCIAL RESULTS WITH CONSUMER 3D PRINTERS
Mike Zimmerman, CEO and founder of Z-Polymers, has developed a material that enables consumer-level 3D printers to create commercial grade materials.
LOOKING BACK ON SOME FAVORITE ARTICLES
In this special episode, Mechanical Engineering’s newly retired editor in chief Jeffrey Winters shares some of his favorite articles from his 23 years at the magazine.
ENGINEERING BETTER POINTEWORK
A student team at Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering has developed a device that will help ballet dancers avoid injury and achieve perfect alignment.
ASME UNCONVENTIONAL ENGINEERING
Join ASME CEO Thomas Costabile and STEM educator Jay Flores as they talk with some of the most exciting names in engineering. Recent episodes include interviews with famed inventor Lonnie Johnson and Jason Lopes, a 3D-printing expert and special effects pioneer. Check out the podcast landing page to hear them all.
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