Archived News for Engineering Professionals - August, 2012
A low-cost laser sensor that can quickly and accurately measure the velocity of commercial passenger aircrafts could complement existing sensors and help prevent fatal aeroplane crashes, according to engineers at the University of New South Wales.
Using facilities provided by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation in Melbourne, researchers from UNSW Canberra have developed and successfully tested a proof-of-concept laser-based sensor in a high-speed wind tunnel.
“One of the problems with current velocity sensors is that they are susceptible to icing in bad weather,” says Dr Sean O’Byrne from the School of Engineering and Information Technology. “Our technology is based on laser light, meaning there are no physical components in the airflow. Instead they are located inside the aircraft where the temperature can be controlled.”
SA to streamline major projects
The South Australian Government has announced an initiative to streamline building and construction projects that are in the pipeline and valued over $20 million.
Visionstream wins Telstra works
Leighton subsidiary Visionstream has announced it has signed a contract with Telstra for the provision of national Wideband and Dedicated Digital Network (DDN) works, worth an estimated $120 million over the three year life of the deal.
Consultation on R&D Tax Incentive quarterly credits inititiative
The Federal Government has released a public consultation paper to enable small and medium sized companies and other stakeholders to contribute to the design of the R&D Tax Incentive quarterly credits initiative.
The new R&D quarterly credits initiative will provide more timely access to tax incentives for small and medium sized businesses undertaking eligible research and development.
R&D quarterly credits will be an opt-in element of the Government's R&D Tax Incentive, which will further improve company cash flow and enhance incentives to invest in R&D activities.
Quarterly credits will be available to small and medium sized companies eligible for the R&D refundable tax offset.
Rather than waiting until an income tax return is assessed by the ATO, companies can choose to obtain the benefit of the offset on a quarterly basis during an income year.
Providing benefits to smaller companies sooner will be a better way to help them invest in their own future success, and in doing so, the Government is also investing in Australia's long-term economic future.
The R&D Tax Incentive is part of the Government's ambitious innovation agenda to create more business opportunities, growth and jobs for the future. It will help make our businesses more innovative and, across the nation, will assist to increase Australia's productivity and competitiveness.
Quarterly credits will be accessible for each quarter commencing on or after 1 January 2014.
The Government encourages comment and feedback on the paper as part of the consultation process to help ensure that the design of quarterly credits works for business.
The consultation paper can be found at www.treasury.gov.au. Consultation on the paper will close on 31 August 2012.
New Chief Executive of CSIRO Information Sciences
Dr David Williams, former Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Space Agency and Chairman of the European Space Agency, has been appointed as CSIRO Group Executive, Information Sciences.
WA outlines road spend
The Western Australian Government has confirmed $161 million will be spent on local roads across the State, an increase of $16 million from last financial years.