engineering

Aug 19, 2010

NSF Grant Funds NC State Research On Predicting Effects Of Climate Change

North Carolina State University researchers are part of a major new research initiative from the National Science Foundation (NSF) aiming at improving climate scientists’ ability to predict potential consequences of climate change. The work being done at NC State will focus on improving our ability to predict hurricanes and precipitation patterns. 

Aug 18, 2010

Cool! Researchers Find Way To Use HVAC Ducts For Wireless Monitoring Technology

A new study by a team including a professor from North Carolina State University has found a way to implement wireless monitoring technology – with uses ranging from climate control to health and safety applications – by tapping into a building’s heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) ducts. The finding could lead to significant time and… 

Jul 29, 2010

NC State Expert: Oil Spill Not Likely to Reach N.C.

As the disaster in the Gulf continues to unfold, the southeastern U.S. is preparing for the potential economic  and environmental repercussions should the oil reach its shores. Fortunately, current models indicate that the N.C. coastline may end up unscathed. North Carolina State University experts can address the likelihood of the oil spill reaching the N.C.… 

Jul 28, 2010

King Wins Educator Award

Dr. Russell King, professor of industrial and systems engineering, won the 2010 Albert G. Holzman Distinguished Educator Award from the Institute of Industrial Engineers. 

Jul 20, 2010

Will it snow? Will it snow? Will it snow?

I know. It’s a zillion degrees outside, so why am I writing a post about snow? Because new research is out that will help make winter weather predictions more accurate throughout the United States. That’s good news for weather watchers, sure, but it’s great news for governments and utilities – since they can make better… 

Jul 20, 2010

New Methodology Improves Winter Climate Forecasting

It’s hot out right now, but new research from North Carolina State University will help us know what to expect when the weather turns cold. Researchers have developed a new methodology that improves the accuracy of winter precipitation and temperature forecasts. The tool should be valuable for government and utility officials, since it provides key… 

Jul 19, 2010

Stormwater Model To Inform Regulators On Future Development Projects

North Carolina State University researchers have developed a computer model that will accurately predict stormwater pollution impacts from proposed real-estate developments – allowing regulators to make informed decisions about which development projects can be approved without endangering water quality. The model could serve as a blueprint for similar efforts across the country. 

Jul 12, 2010

Early Warning System For Cloud Computing

Generally speaking, when something bad starts to happen you want to know as early as possible. For example, if you catch cancer early, you can begin treatment and improve your odds of nipping it in the bud. Similarly, if you have advance notice that a tornado is coming, you have time to move to a… 

Jul 12, 2010

New Research Can Spot Cloud Computing Problems Before They Start

Large-scale computer hosting infrastructures offer a variety of services to computer users, including cloud computing – which offers users access to powerful computers and software applications hosted by remote groups of servers. But when these infrastructures run into problems – like bottlenecks that slow their operating speed – it can be costly for both the… 

Jul 1, 2010

Borden Honored for Lifetime Achievement

Engineering professor and environmental consultant Robert C. Borden received the 2010 Brown and Caldwell Lifetime Achievement Award for  contributions as a leader, innovator and teacher. 

Jun 30, 2010

Hunting For (Software) Bugs

If you know how to type, you’ve probably made a typo at some point. Normally it’s no big deal. But imagine you’re a computer programmer, churning out line after line of code. That’s when a simple typo can create a “bug” – or defect – with significant repercussions. But researchers from Microsoft Research and North… 

Jun 30, 2010

New Technique Improves Efficiency Of Biofuel Production

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a more efficient technique for producing biofuels from woody plants that significantly reduces the waste that results from conventional biofuel production techniques. The technique is a significant step toward creating a commercially viable new source of biofuels. 

Jun 23, 2010

NC State in Top 5 for Minority Degrees

NC State earned top 5 rankings on the Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine list of universities that award the most degrees to minority students. 

Jun 9, 2010

On A Roll: Designing The Next Rover To Explore Mars

The concept of a wind-powered vehicle that can be used to explore the surface of Mars – a so-called “tumbleweed rover” that would roll over the surface of Mars like a tumbleweed – has been around for more than 10 years, but so far there has been no consensus on exactly what that vehicle should… 

Jun 1, 2010

NC State To Play Key Role In DOE Team On Nuclear Energy Innovation

Experimenting with new designs and operation techniques for nuclear power plants is a tricky business, since even small changes can pose significant safety and financial risks. But the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is funding a major research initiative that will use computer models to develop innovative new approaches to nuclear power that will result…