Never "write-off" backyard tinkerers, eh?

[Scuba_Steve]

Detroit DIY'er cooks up stronger, lighter steel, shames scientists (http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/detroit-diyer-cooks-up-stronger-lighter-steel-shames-scientist/)
Flash Bainite, the creation of Detroit entrepreneur Gary Cola, wowed a team of Ohio State University engineers by turning centuries of alloy processing on its head.

7-percent stronger than other forms and tougher than some titanium alloys. Flash Bainite is also more ductile than other steels, allowing it to crumple more before breaking -- perfect for absorbing impacts. Obviously this means stronger and lighter cars, laptops, and armored vehicles but, since the process takes all of about 10 seconds, it's also more energy efficient and cheaper than traditional steel making.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/06/6-3-2011flashbainite.jpg

original source (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-06/osu-anw060911.php)

[scissorhands]

Free from pressures to conform, Britten’s first drive was to exploit New Zealand’s geographical distance from the conforming orthodoxy’s of the centre. He was following in the footsteps of fellow visionary Richard Pearse who, almost a century earlier, conjured up one of the first flying machines from farm scraps in his shed down the road in Temuka.

As Britten stated in a 1993 interview: “I guess I’m simply free of any constraints. I can take a fresh look at things, unlike a designer working for, say, the Jaguar company, who is obliged to continue the Jaguar look.”

from http://www.nzedge.com/heroes/britten.html

[hayd3n]

well done that man

[oldrider]

Interesting thread, good posting. Thank you. :yes:

[bogan]

good shit :yes:

[Winston001]

Free from pressures to conform, Britten’s first drive was to exploit New Zealand’s geographical distance from the conforming orthodoxy’s of the centre. He was following in the footsteps of fellow visionary Richard Pearse.....

If that works, why isn't there an industrial estate in Christchurch employing thousands of people building Britten motorcycles etc...?

[avgas]

If that works, why isn't there an industrial estate in Christchurch employing thousands of people building Britten motorcycles etc...?
Because then it would be owned by Harley and worth sub-200K. And not really a Britten anymore.

[scissorhands]

If that works, why isn't there an industrial estate in Christchurch employing thousands of people building Britten motorcycles etc...?

He died. Also sadly many crap things make money, such as Lady Gaga, while many worthy musicians do not.

Success in the marketplace as a bench mark of success?

What about all the helpful technology bought up by its globally destructive competitors and then shelved?

Pharmaceuticals must be really effective, look at all the money they make.

Politicians must be great workers, look at all the money they make:girlfight:

[oneofsix]

If that works, why isn't there an industrial estate in Christchurch employing thousands of people building Britten motorcycles etc...?

Why does everyone believe the Wright brothers were the first people to use power flight? They were the first to achieve controlled powered flight btw but most leave the word controlled out of the statement. Crashing into a hedge negates control to a certain extent.

It also comes down to being a good inventor doesn't mean you are good at building a company and getting product a market.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Why does everyone believe the Wright brothers were the first people to use power flight? They were the first to achieve controlled powered flight btw but most leave the word controlled out of the statement. Crashing into a hedge negates control to a certain extent.

It also comes down to being a good inventor doesn't mean you are good at building a company and getting product a market.

Thomas Edison is a fascinating example of that. He is a fascinating man in fact.

[Bald Eagle]

It also comes down to being a good inventor doesn't mean you are good at building a company and getting product a market.


Or make a crap product .... but be good at marketing MS anyone.

[Winston001]

Thomas Edison is a fascinating example of that. He is a fascinating man in fact.


No he's not. He's a WITCH.








Well he's got a wart...

[The Lone Rider]

It would be interesting to see where and when this stuff might be applied, if it goes so far as to reach a market demand.

[scissorhands]

I wonder how much re tooling steel mills will cost?

Maybe the number crunchers say 'too hard too expensive' and stick with the current paradigm until new steel mills are made.

[carbonhed]

In keeping with the backyard tinkerer theme... check this stuff out :-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/5158972/Starlite-the-nuclear-blast-defying-plastic-that-could-change-the-world.html

Hope it's not a late April Fools scam!

[Scuba_Steve]

I wonder how much re tooling steel mills will cost?

Maybe the number crunchers say 'too hard too expensive' and stick with the current paradigm until new steel mills are made.

I think thats one of the advantages of this stuff, is it doesn't require "re-inventing" the steel mill, just some very minor alterations I believe


In keeping with the backyard tinkerer theme... check this stuff out :-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/5158972/Starlite-the-nuclear-blast-defying-plastic-that-could-change-the-world.html

Hope it's not a late April Fools scam!

Sounds pretty interesting if it's not, & alot of it does make sense not signing confidentiality will keep you out of the military arena, alot of companies would rather rip-off then pay-out so I could see how mass market talks got nowhere & why we haven't seen the actual product. But guess only time will tell for sure

[Winston001]

Its a good thing to celebrate the lone geniuses who dedicate their lives to an idea. I'm reading "One Good Run" about Bert Munro at the moment which is a salutary story of obsession.

John Britten's early death is a loss to us all. He was intelligent, inspired, and inventive. We need these people for what they can discover and for what they say to us all about singleminded dedication.