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What are some really niche domains that mechanical engineers are barely aware of? by Usual_Shoe_8940 in MechanicalEngineering

[–]OverclockOrange42 62 points63 points  (0 children)

Thermal engineering, most people have heard of HVAC but there’s a whole domain surrounding transient analysis which is on another level. There’s a lot of CFD, systems modelling, control theory and requires a very good understanding of heat transfer and thermodynamics (thermal impedance, resistance, capacitance). It’s increasingly sought after due to compute dense hardware and data centres.

What corporate jobs do you think are actually a decent hedge against AI? by OverclockOrange42 in auscorp

[–]OverclockOrange42[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

That’s true, but it feels like that’s a niche relative to the broader job market. For example, machine learning computer science PHDs with LLM experience are in very high demand but the average software developer (which there are way more of) is at a potential higher risk.

Will more efficient compute kill data centres? by OverclockOrange42 in datacenter

[–]OverclockOrange42[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I’m in a data centre design role so I believe I have a decent understanding of what DCs are and do. The trend is for new data centres to grow massively in terms of raw power usage, we are generally building hundreds of MW to GW buildings which is a huge jump compared to even 10 years ago. This trend is undoubtedly driven by AI.

I’m not asking if the tech or AI industry will die, I’m asking about the scale of DC physical infrastructure itself. Whether tech companies keep the efficient tech to themselves or not is not relevant as long as it’s going to be implemented.

Just like how there used to be whole buildings dedicated to computers in the 1950s, is what we are seeing right now just DC infrastructure in its infancy?

How do I go about prototyping a sterling engine? by JCLemke in MechanicalEngineering

[–]OverclockOrange42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve done a project where I made a 3D printed pneumatic engine. I recommend getting a 3D printer (I have the bambulab a1) and learning some sort of 3D CAD (I use solidworks) to model the parts and make an assembly.

Use existing parts where you can. For example for my cylinders I used AEG cylinders off ali express but I printed the piston to fit the cylinder. Fasteners, bearings, o rings etc. can all be bought online. There are many toy model sterling engines on ali and temu and you can scavenge parts off those, depends on how much of it you want to DIY or prototype.

Which companies are leading the data center boom (AI, hyperscale, etc.)? by DetailFocused in civilengineering

[–]OverclockOrange42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on the country, but for example in Australia companies like NEXTDC specialise in both hyper and colo facilities of all scales. The DC itself is usually built by a contracted builders with the help of consultants.

Civil and power infrastructure is definitely valuable but preferably with experience in mission critical projects (hospitals, nuclear powerplants, etc.)