SpinOffs

A blog on what's new, notable, and next in turbomachinery

Francis A. Di Bella, P.E.

Putting Entropy to Work

Putting Entropy to Work

By Francis A. Di Bella, P.E.
Aug 2, 2019

The previous blog, Entropy Happens… Deal with It! ended with the statement, “That’s how Concepts NREC deals with the constraints of the Second Law of Thermodynamics when designing high-efficiency...

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Entropy Happens… Deal with It!

Entropy Happens… Deal with It!

By Francis A. Di Bella, P.E.
Jul 19, 2019

If there’s one thing good about sitting in snarled traffic in Boston, it’s that you get to see some very original bumper stickers. The most recent bumper sticker I saw was probably the strangest one,...

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In Thermodynamics: “What Goes Around-Comes Around” is a Good Thing

In Thermodynamics: “What Goes Around-Comes Around” is a Good Thing

By Francis A. Di Bella, P.E.
Jun 28, 2019

When discussing the efficiency of transforming one form of energy to another, circularity is the way to go. Anyone who has spent even a little time studying engineering thermodynamics knows that the...

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What do Undergraduates, a Chimney, Renewable Energy and an Open Pit Mine Have in Common?

What do Undergraduates, a Chimney, Renewable Energy and an Open Pit Mine Have in Common?

By Francis A. Di Bella, P.E.
Apr 19, 2019

It sounds like an opening to a joke, but I wanted to share some creative thinking sparked during a field trip to a local gas turbine cogeneration plant with some undergraduate students I teach. The...

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Engineering Resolutions for 2019

Engineering Resolutions for 2019

By Francis A. Di Bella, P.E.
Dec 28, 2018

I am an engineer and teacher, so as the year draws to a close, I like to look back on memorable events where an engineering activity went, or almost went, awry. Luckily all were caught in the nick of...

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Gas Turbine Automobiles - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Gas Turbine Automobiles - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

By Francis A. Di Bella, P.E.
Nov 2, 2018

Credit for the first gas turbine engine used in flight is given to Dr. Frank Whittle. Dr. Whittle maintained a steadfast commitment to developing gas turbine-powered aircraft in the midst of World...

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Avoiding the

Avoiding the "Bad Day" in Aerospace

By Francis A. Di Bella, P.E.
Jul 6, 2018

The AS9100 Certification identifies companies who have qualified to manufacture products for the Aerospace Industry. Manufacturers who meet the extensive requirements of the AS9100 Certification have...

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The (Contemporary) Art of Engineering

The (Contemporary) Art of Engineering

By Francis A. Di Bella, P.E.
Mar 2, 2018

Boston, MA is known as a walkable city. Boston’s downtown area is very small, relative to those in other cities. However, the walkable size provides you with a special opportunity to explore the many...

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A New Application for Air Brake Dynamometers?

A New Application for Air Brake Dynamometers?

By Francis A. Di Bella, P.E.
Jan 12, 2018

My gym has been crowded with a lot of new people these past couple of weeks. It happens every year in January as people try to stick to their New Year’s Resolution to exercise more. I don’t mind the...

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