July Technology Evening
The day when David Gatebe smashed the Comrades Marathon record, the entire country celebrated ... simply because he is one of us, proudly South African! Attempting to set a land speed record of 1000 mph (1609 km/h), is, to say the least, mind-blowing, and South Africa is the chosen venue for this historic challenge.
The attempt is scheduled to be made during 2017 on the Hakskeen Pan in the Northern Cape, which was chosen from 20 000 other sites around the globe. When it happens, we South Africans will be part of an event of massive significance.
On Thursday 7 July, Mike van Eck from Swagelok gave the branch a presentation on the Bloodhound SCC Project. Swagelok’s involvement in this project is exciting, and if this project does not get every instrument and control person on the edge of their seat, nothing will!
Richard Noble, Bloodhound SCC project director said, “I don’t suppose you go into these projects with the consequences of failure in mind. It is much more about the opportunity for the team to achieve something spectacular. And if it does something for the country in the process, then it is truly worthwhile.”
In order to record a new land speed record, the criteria are as follows:
• Vehicle propelled by its own means in constant contact with the ground (or ice), either directly by mechanical means or indirectly by ground effect.
· A driver on board the vehicle constantly and entirely controls the motive power and steering system.
· The land speed record (LSR) is standardised as the speed over a course of fixed length, averaged over two runs (commonly called ‘passes’). Two runs are required in opposite directions within one hour, and a new record mark must exceed the previous one by at least one percent to be validated.
Other interesting facts mentioned during the presentation:
· 0-1000 mph in 55 sec.
· 3000°C – the temperature in the rocket is twice as hot as the inside of a volcano.
· 3,6 seconds – the time it takes to do the flying mile.
· 64 000 l/sec – the EJ200 engine could suck the air out of an average house in just 3 seconds.
· 25 000 ft. (7 620 m) – the altitude the Bloodhound would reach if it were launched straight up into the air.
· 180 dBA – the hybrid rocket is louder than a 747 at take-off.
Visit to the local high school
Helping to prepare your teenager for life after high school is one of the most important responsibilities you will have as a parent. Going to college or university, getting a job, or taking a gap year, are all common options your youngster is likely to face.
Numbers regarding how many scholars are unsure about their future are alarmingly high, with many learners indecisive about what career choice to follow or what to study after school. About 60% of the scholars acknowledge that they are either not sure what to do after school or do not know at all. Some have not even considered a study path.
During the SAIMC Secunda Branch’s visit to High School Oosterland on 21 July, a presentation on career choices in the C&I field was presented to the grade 12 learners. Most of the youth are familiar with careers like electrical, civil or mechanical engineering, but many have never heard of the control & instrument profession and its various career options – something the branch plans to address.
Technology Evening dates for the rest of the year
· 1 September.
· 6 October.
· 3 November.
All the presentations earn CPD points for ECSA registered persons and any enquiries can be directed to [email protected]. All instrumentation and control related persons are invited to attend the Technology Evenings.
| Tel: | +27 11 312 2445 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.saimc.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about SAIMC |
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