Energy Challenges in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

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Energy Fundamentals and Future Challenges in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Milivoje M. Kostic, Professor Emeritus

Northern Illinois University, Mechanical Engineering, IL 60115, USA

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Let us not be fooled by lower oil prices now due to unforeseen technological developments and economic recession! If the man-made Global Warming is debatable, the two things are certain in the not distant future: (1) the world population and their living-standard expectations will substantially increase, and (2) the fossil fuels’ economical reserves, particularly oil and natural gas, will considerably decrease. The difficulties that will face every nation and the world in meeting the future energy needs will be more challenging than what we anticipate now.

However, regardless of imminent issues about the fossil fuels and related environmental impact, the outlook for future energy needs and environmental sustainability is encouraging. Energy conservation “with existing technology” has real immediate potential to substantially reduce energy dependence on the fossil fuels and enable use of alternative and renewable energy sources. There are many diverse and abundant energy sources with promising future potentials, so that mankind should be able to enhance its activities, standard and quality of living, while at the same time increasing safety and reducing environmental pollution.

Energy landscape could be substantially enriched with advanced technology and comprehensive management of energy sources, devices and processes. Improving and optimizing ‘nose-to-tail’ energy efficiency in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, where every detail matter, could make the “winning difference.” After all, in the wake of a short history of fossil fuels’ abundance and use (a blip on a human history radar screen), the life may be happier after the fossil fuel era! More at: www.kostic.niu.edu/energy

Biography

Milivoje M. Kostic, Ph.D., P.Eng., Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at Northern Illinois University, Licensed Professional Engineer in State of Illinois (USA) and Editor-in-Chief of Thermodynamics of Entropy Journal, is a notable researcher and scholar in energy fundamentals and applications. He graduated with the University of Belgrade highest distinction (the highest GPA in ME program history), obtained Ph.D. at University of Illinois as a Fulbright scholar, appointed as NASA faculty fellow, and Fermi and Argonne National Laboratories faculty researcher. He has a number of professional awards and recognitions, is a frequent keynote plenary speaker at international conferences and different institutions, as well as member of several professional societies and scientific advisory boards.

More at www.kostic.niu.edu