Shows
omega tau - English onlyPhysics beyond the Standard Model
Guest: Valerie Domcke Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
A while ago we had a whole series about LHC, ATLAS and particle physics in general. Despite all we know about what our world is made of and the explanatory power of the standard model, there is also a variety of open questions and currently unexplained phenomena. These include dark matter, dark energy, the neutrino mass, the CP violation, the hierarchy problem, and of course the unification of the standard model with gravitation. In this episode, CERN’s Valerie Domcke explains what it...
2021-03-061h 42
omega tau science & engineering podcastPhysics beyond the Standard Model
Guest: Valerie Domcke Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
A while ago we had a whole series about LHC, ATLAS and particle physics in general. Despite all we know about what our world is made of and the explanatory power of the standard model, there is also a variety of open questions and currently unexplained phenomena. These include dark matter, dark energy, the neutrino mass, the CP violation, the hierarchy problem, and of course the unification of the standard model with gravitation. In this episode, CERN’s Valerie Domcke explains what it...
2021-03-061h 42omega tau - English onlyModern Fission Reactors
Guest: Jacopo Buongiorno Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
In this episode we take a look at newer generations of fission reactors, those that are currently being developed or researched. Our guest is Jacopo Buongiorno of MIT. We discuss some of the high-level goals of these new reactors, such as increased safety and efficiency, and then look at a few of the interesting new designs and how they realize these goals. We also briefly cover some of the policy arguments around keeping fission in the mix for combatting climate change.
2021-01-041h 54omega tau science & engineering podcastModern Fission Reactors
Guest: Jacopo Buongiorno Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
In this episode we take a look at newer generations of fission reactors, those that are currently being developed or researched. Our guest is Jacopo Buongiorno of MIT. We discuss some of the high-level goals of these new reactors, such as increased safety and efficiency, and then look at a few of the interesting new designs and how they realize these goals. We also briefly cover some of the policy arguments around keeping fission in the mix for combatting climate change.
2021-01-041h 54omega tau - English onlySupercomputing for COVID-19
Guests: Andrew Emerson, Daniel Jacobson
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
In this episode we look at how supercomputers are used to help with managing the pandemic. It’s a double-header with two guests. We start with Cineca‘s Andrew Emerson. As part of the EXSCALATE 4 COV EU-funded research project, he works of virtual screening of existing drugs regarding their potential efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. In part two we talk with Dan Jacobson of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He and his team used a big data analysis to understand how the...
2020-10-292h 28omega tau science & engineering podcastSupercomputing for COVID-19
Guests: Andrew Emerson, Daniel Jacobson
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
In this episode we look at how supercomputers are used to help with managing the pandemic. It’s a double-header with two guests. We start with Cineca‘s Andrew Emerson. As part of the EXSCALATE 4 COV EU-funded research project, he works of virtual screening of existing drugs regarding their potential efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. In part two we talk with Dan Jacobson of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He and his team used a big data analysis to understand how the...
2020-10-292h 28omega tau - English onlyExistential Risk
Guests: Toby Ord Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Jochen Spalding
Humanity has always been exposed to potentially catastrophic risks that might endanger the continued existence of humanity. Asteroid impacts or supervolcano eruptions come to mind. But since about the invention of the atomic bomb, humanity has been able to wipe itself out, adding self-made existential risks to the natural ones. Oxford philosopher Toby Ord argues in his book The Precipice that those risks are much more likely than the natural ones. In this episode we explore this idea with him, and also...
2020-08-222h 40omega tau science & engineering podcastExistential Risk
Guests: Toby Ord Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Jochen Spalding
Humanity has always been exposed to potentially catastrophic risks that might endanger the continued existence of humanity. Asteroid impacts or supervolcano eruptions come to mind. But since about the invention of the atomic bomb, humanity has been able to wipe itself out, adding self-made existential risks to the natural ones. Oxford philosopher Toby Ord argues in his book The Precipice that those risks are much more likely than the natural ones. In this episode we explore this idea with him, and also...
2020-08-222h 40omega tau - English onlyATLAS Computing
Guests: Frank Berghaus Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
To conclude our detailed look at the ATLAS experiment, this episode looks at the computing infrastructure. We start out with the trigger systems that decide, very quickly, whether the data from a particular collision is worth keeping. We then discuss the reconstruction of the event, the simulation needed to understand the background as well as the LHC Grid used distribute data and computation over the whole planet. Our guest is CERN’n Frank Berghaus.
Introduction of Frank Berghaus 00:03:45
Frank Be...
2020-07-272h 46omega tau science & engineering podcastATLAS Computing
Guests: Frank Berghaus Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
To conclude our detailed look at the ATLAS experiment, this episode looks at the computing infrastructure. We start out with the trigger systems that decide, very quickly, whether the data from a particular collision is worth keeping. We then discuss the reconstruction of the event, the simulation needed to understand the background as well as the LHC Grid used distribute data and computation over the whole planet. Our guest is CERN’n Frank Berghaus.
Introduction of Frank Berghaus 00:03:45
Frank Berghaus | omeg...
2020-07-272h 46omega tau - English onlyATLAS Science
Guests: Philipp Windischhofer Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
After understanding the history and development of ATLAS (and covering the LHC and particle physics in general) in previous episodes, we are now at the point where we can try to understand how a scientist uses the data produced by one of these large detectors and make sense of it. This is what we’ll do in this episode with physicist (and listener) Philipp Windischhofer. If you want to learn even more, you can check out these links provided by Philipp or read the la...
2020-06-163h 02omega tau science & engineering podcastATLAS Science
Guests: Philipp Windischhofer Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
After understanding the history and development of ATLAS (and covering the LHC and particle physics in general) in previous episodes, we are now at the point where we can try to understand how a scientist uses the data produced by one of these large detectors and make sense of it. This is what we’ll do in this episode with physicist (and listener) Philipp Windischhofer. If you want to learn even more, you can check out these links provided by Philipp or read the la...
2020-06-163h 02omega tau - English onlyHistory and Development of ATLAS
Guests: Peter Jenni Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Alexander Grote
ATLAS is one of the two general-purpose experiments at the LHC. It has been conceived, designed, and built over decades by hundreds of scientists and engineers from dozens of countries and hundreds of organizations. My guest, Peter Jenni, has been the head of the ATLAS collaboration for most of this time. In this episode we talk about science and engineering, but mostly about organizational aspects and the “community management” necessary to get such a magnificent machine off the ground.
Introduction Peter Jenn...
2020-06-022h 39omega tau science & engineering podcastHistory and Development of ATLAS
Guests: Peter Jenni Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Alexander Grote
ATLAS is one of the two general-purpose experiments at the LHC. It has been conceived, designed, and built over decades by hundreds of scientists and engineers from dozens of countries and hundreds of organizations. My guest, Peter Jenni, has been the head of the ATLAS collaboration for most of this time. In this episode we talk about science and engineering, but mostly about organizational aspects and the “community management” necessary to get such a magnificent machine off the ground.
Introduction Peter Jenn...
2020-06-022h 39omega tau - English onlyFlying and Testing the F-35
Guests: Tucker Hamilton Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Thomas Machowinski
The Lockheed F-35 Lightning II is going to be more or less what the F-16 and F-18 are today: the backbone of the US and NATO land and sea-based air forces. It is a multi-role fighter, and one of its versions has the capability to take off with a very short roll and land vertically. Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton is a test pilot who has flown all three versions of the jet. In this episode we talk about flying this fifth-gen fighter and abou...
2020-05-201h 14omega tau science & engineering podcastFlying and Testing the F-35
Guests: Tucker Hamilton Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Thomas Machowinski
The Lockheed F-35 Lightning II is going to be more or less what the F-16 and F-18 are today: the backbone of the US and NATO land and sea-based air forces. It is a multi-role fighter, and one of its versions has the capability to take off with a very short roll and land vertically. Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton is a test pilot who has flown all three versions of the jet. In this episode we talk about flying this fifth-gen fighter and abou...
2020-05-201h 14omega tau science & engineering podcastEmergency and Intensive Care, Ventilation
Guests: Kimon L. H. Ioannides, Junad Chowdhury Host: Markus Voelter, Nora Ludewig
Shownoter: Jochen Spalding
In light of the current situation, we have decided to record a couple of episodes that cover some of the relevant background in terms of biology, medicine and healthcare. In this first episode we discuss emergency care and intensive care with a special focus on ventilation. We discuss these topics in general, and also specifically to COVID-19. Our guest, Kimon and Junad, are both practicing doctors and have practical experience with these topics.
2020-04-291h 47omega tau - English onlyEmergency and Intensive Care, Ventilation
Guests: Kimon L. H. Ioannides, Junad Chowdhury Host: Markus Voelter, Nora Ludewig
Shownoter: Jochen Spalding
In light of the current situation, we have decided to record a couple of episodes that cover some of the relevant background in terms of biology, medicine and healthcare. In this first episode we discuss emergency care and intensive care with a special focus on ventilation. We discuss these topics in general, and also specifically to COVID-19. Our guest, Kimon and Junad, are both practicing doctors and have practical experience with these topics.
2020-04-291h 47omega tau science & engineering podcastPlasma Wakefield Acceleration with AWAKE
Guest: Edda Gschwendtner Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Fabian Zeisberger
A major component of particle accelerators like the LHC are the actual accelerators; the current approach relies on radio frequency cavities. However, their acceleration gradient, measured in Volts per meter, is limited. This means that future accelerators, especially linear ones, will become longer and longer to reach the desired energies. A new approach to particle acceleration relies on plasma wakefields, this technology can deliver orders of magnitude more acceleration per distance. AWAKE is a proof of concept experiment at CERN that uses...
2020-04-221h 07omega tau - English onlyPlasma Wakefield Acceleration with AWAKE
Guest: Edda Gschwendtner Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Fabian Zeisberger
A major component of particle accelerators like the LHC are the actual accelerators; the current approach relies on radio frequency cavities. However, their acceleration gradient, measured in Volts per meter, is limited. This means that future accelerators, especially linear ones, will become longer and longer to reach the desired energies. A new approach to particle acceleration relies on plasma wakefields, this technology can deliver orders of magnitude more acceleration per distance. AWAKE is a proof of concept experiment at CERN that uses...
2020-04-221h 07omega tau - English onlySpecial - Once You Start Asking
Hosts: Markus Voelter, Nora Ludewig
Over the last two years, Markus wrote a book about some of the repeated topic covered on omega tau: SOFIA, Enterprise, Aerospace, Gravitational Waves, Telescopes, Models and Particle Physics. The book, called Once You Start Asking is now available as an ebook, with the softcover edition forthcoming. In this episode, Nora and Markus discuss the book and its history.
Book Website
Kindle Edition (via Amazon)
Plain PDF (via Gumroad)
Apple Books (released on April 20)
2020-04-1141 minomega tau science & engineering podcastSpecial - Once You Start Asking
Hosts: Markus Voelter, Nora Ludewig
Over the last two years, Markus wrote a book about some of the repeated topic covered on omega tau: SOFIA, Enterprise, Aerospace, Gravitational Waves, Telescopes, Models and Particle Physics. The book, called Once You Start Asking is now available as an ebook, with the softcover edition forthcoming. In this episode, Nora and Markus discuss the book and its history.
Book Website
Kindle Edition (via Amazon)
Plain PDF (via Gumroad)
Apple Books (released on April 20)
2020-04-1141 minomega tau - English only.5 - Controlling the ELT
Guest: Thomas Pfrommer Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Pascal Becker
Six years ago, in episode 150, Jochen Liske of ESO told us about the Extremely Large Telescope that is currently being built in Chile. This episode is a continuation (which is why this is a kind of bonus episode labelled as 150.5) in which Thomas Pfrommer tells us about how to control the optical path of this monster telescope: the 39 meter, 798-segment main mirror, plus the four additional mirrors involved in bringing the light to a stable and sharp focus. I recorded this episode...
2020-02-141h 07omega tau science & engineering podcast.5 - Controlling the ELT
Guest: Thomas Pfrommer Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Pascal Becker
Six years ago, in episode 150, Jochen Liske of ESO told us about the Extremely Large Telescope that is currently being built in Chile. This episode is a continuation (which is why this is a kind of bonus episode labelled as 150.5) in which Thomas Pfrommer tells us about how to control the optical path of this monster telescope: the 39 meter, 798-segment main mirror, plus the four additional mirrors involved in bringing the light to a stable and sharp focus. I recorded this episode...
2020-02-141h 07omega tau - English only(Flying and Simulating) The F-14 Tomcat
Guests: Nick Pirnia, Okie Nance, the Heatblur development team
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Alexander Grote
The F-14 Tomcat is one of the most iconic fighters, certainly among its generation. In this episode we talk with Nick Pirnia about the aircraft’s development and history as well as about flying it with former pilot Okie Nance. The aircraft is also available in the DCS flight simulator and the third part of this episode is a conversation with the development team from Heatblur about how to implement the F-14 in DCS; if yo...
2020-01-034h 15omega tau science & engineering podcast(Flying and Simulating) The F-14 Tomcat
Guests: Nick Pirnia, Okie Nance, the Heatblur development team
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Alexander Grote
The F-14 Tomcat is one of the most iconic fighters, certainly among its generation. In this episode we talk with Nick Pirnia about the aircraft’s development and history as well as about flying it with former pilot Okie Nance. The aircraft is also available in the DCS flight simulator and the third part of this episode is a conversation with the development team from Heatblur about how to implement the F-14 in DCS; if yo...
2020-01-034h 15omega tau - English onlyAttribution of Extreme Weather Events
Guests: Friederike Otto Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Thomas Machowinski
An important consequence of the warming of the planet due to climate change is that the frequency and/or severity of extreme weather events will increase. But how can we tell whether a particular event can be attributed to the changing climate? Would it have happened in “normal” climate as well, and if so, how would the event have been different? This aspect of climate science is called attribution science, and the guest of this episode, Friederike Otto is a pioneer in the...
2019-12-221h 22omega tau science & engineering podcastAttribution of Extreme Weather Events
Guests: Friederike Otto Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Thomas Machowinski
An important consequence of the warming of the planet due to climate change is that the frequency and/or severity of extreme weather events will increase. But how can we tell whether a particular event can be attributed to the changing climate? Would it have happened in “normal” climate as well, and if so, how would the event have been different? This aspect of climate science is called attribution science, and the guest of this episode, Friederike Otto is a pioneer in the...
2019-12-221h 22omega tau - English onlyParabolic Flights at AirZeroG
Guests: Jean-François Clervoy, Eric Delesalle, Hervé Normand, Nicolas Barbotin
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
When I was in Bordeaux with the DLR to report about their science campaign in September, I also talked to the team from AirZeroG/Novespace about the technical and aviation aspects of parabolic flights. These interviews are in this episode. I chat with Jean-François Clervoy about the history of the company, with Eric Delesalle about piloting the parabolas, with Hervé Normand about the reasons for the potential sickness, and with Nicolas Barbotin about cabi...
2019-11-291h 33omega tau science & engineering podcastParabolic Flights at AirZeroG
Guests: Jean-François Clervoy, Eric Delesalle, Hervé Normand, Nicolas Barbotin
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
When I was in Bordeaux with the DLR to report about their science campaign in September, I also talked to the team from AirZeroG/Novespace about the technical and aviation aspects of parabolic flights. These interviews are in this episode. I chat with Jean-François Clervoy about the history of the company, with Eric Delesalle about piloting the parabolas, with Hervé Normand about the reasons for the potential sickness, and with Nicolas Barbotin about cabi...
2019-11-291h 33omega tau - English onlyFlying the P-3 Orion (and some other aircraft)
Guests: Marija “Maz” Jovanovich
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
Marija Jovanovich is a pilot for the Royal Australian Air Force where she has been flying the P-3 Orion. We discuss the aircraft, the missions, and some anecdotes. Marija then also attended the USAF Experimental Test Pilot School, and we talk a bit about the experience of flying a wide range of different aircraft.
Introduction of Marija 'Maz' Jovanovich 00:01:58
Marija on Twitter | Royal Australian Air-Force | Lockheed P-3 Orion | Boeing P-8 Poseidon
The P-3 Orion...
2019-11-122h 15omega tau science & engineering podcastFlying the P-3 Orion (and some other aircraft)
Guests: Marija “Maz” Jovanovich
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
Marija Jovanovich is a pilot for the Royal Australian Air Force where she has been flying the P-3 Orion. We discuss the aircraft, the missions, and some anecdotes. Marija then also attended the USAF Experimental Test Pilot School, and we talk a bit about the experience of flying a wide range of different aircraft.
Introduction of Marija 'Maz' Jovanovich 00:01:58
Marija on Twitter | Royal Australian Air-Force | Lockheed P-3 Orion | Boeing P-8 Poseidon
The P-3 Orion...
2019-11-122h 15omega tau - English onlyWeather Forecasting at the ECMWF
Guests: Hilda Carr, Peter Bauer, Tony McNally
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Thomas Machowinski
Earlier this year I visited the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, a European organization that produces global weather forecasts and performs research on how to improve those. The episode has three parts. First, Hilda Carr gives us an overview of the organization, its purpose and its history. Then I talk with Peter Bauer about weather and climate modeling and about encoding these models efficiently in software programs that run on supercomputers. Part three is a conversation...
2019-10-193h 05omega tau science & engineering podcastWeather Forecasting at the ECMWF
Guests: Hilda Carr, Peter Bauer, Tony McNally
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Thomas Machowinski
Earlier this year I visited the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, a European organization that produces global weather forecasts and performs research on how to improve those. The episode has three parts. First, Hilda Carr gives us an overview of the organization, its purpose and its history. Then I talk with Peter Bauer about weather and climate modeling and about encoding these models efficiently in software programs that run on supercomputers. Part three is a conversation...
2019-10-193h 05omega tau science & engineering podcastAir Traffic Control at Heathrow and RIAT
Guest: Adam Spink Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
In July I visited the NATS tower at Heathrow Airport to interview my guest Adam Spink. We chatted about some of the mechanics of air traffic control at Heathrow and the unique ways of optimizing throughput. A few days later we met again on the tower of Fairford during RIAT 2019 and chatted about the specifics of ATC’ing during an airshow.
Introduction 00:01:33
Adam Spink (Episode 314 – London Air Ambulance) | Heathrow | ATC | Tower | Taxi | Clearance Delivery | Approach | Runway | Wake Turb...
2019-09-272h 34omega tau - English onlyAir Traffic Control at Heathrow and RIAT
Guest: Adam Spink Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
In July I visited the NATS tower at Heathrow Airport to interview my guest Adam Spink. We chatted about some of the mechanics of air traffic control at Heathrow and the unique ways of optimizing throughput. A few days later we met again on the tower of Fairford during RIAT 2019 and chatted about the specifics of ATC’ing during an airshow.
Introduction 00:01:33
Adam Spink (Episode 314 – London Air Ambulance) | Heathrow | ATC | Tower | Taxi | Clearance Delivery | Approach | Runway | Wake Turb...
2019-09-272h 34omega tau - English onlySocietal Change and the Climate
Guest: Maja Göpel Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Markus Voelter
I am interested in societal change: how can a complex society with lots of emergent (perhaps unintended) behaviors make a conscious change, such as transitioning to a more sustainable economy? We discussed this from an engineering perspective in the episode on Modeling Socio-Technical Systems, and we’ve looked at it historically in the episode on Societal Complexity and Collapse. In this episode we look at the topic more from the perspective of civil society and politics. Our guest ist Maja Göpel...
2019-08-2958 minomega tau science & engineering podcastSocietal Change and the Climate
Guest: Maja Göpel Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Markus Voelter
I am interested in societal change: how can a complex society with lots of emergent (perhaps unintended) behaviors make a conscious change, such as transitioning to a more sustainable economy? We discussed this from an engineering perspective in the episode on Modeling Socio-Technical Systems, and we’ve looked at it historically in the episode on Societal Complexity and Collapse. In this episode we look at the topic more from the perspective of civil society and politics. Our guest ist Maja Göpel...
2019-08-2958 minomega tau science & engineering podcastThe Event Horizon Telescope
Guest: Heino Falcke Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Kolja Dummann
A few months ago, a collaboration called the Event Horizon Telescope presented the first direct image of a black hole; or more specifically, of the radiation created by accelerated particles at its event horizon. The EHT is a Very Large Baseline Interferometer, in which radio telescopes all over the world are computationally connected to obtain resolutions that are not possible with one telescope. In the episode I chat with Heino Falcke, the chair of the EHT science committee, about the science, the...
2019-08-161h 30omega tau - English onlyThe Event Horizon Telescope
Guest: Heino Falcke Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Kolja Dummann
A few months ago, a collaboration called the Event Horizon Telescope presented the first direct image of a black hole; or more specifically, of the radiation created by accelerated particles at its event horizon. The EHT is a Very Large Baseline Interferometer, in which radio telescopes all over the world are computationally connected to obtain resolutions that are not possible with one telescope. In the episode I chat with Heino Falcke, the chair of the EHT science committee, about the science, the...
2019-08-161h 30omega tau science & engineering podcast(My Flight with) The USAF Thunderbirds
Guest: Jason Markzon, Jafet Ojeda Host: Markus Voelter
Shownoter: Bastian Hundt, Jochen Spalding
In June 2019 I had the pleasure and honor to fly in an F-16D with the USAF Thunderbirds. The episode covers the medical briefing about how to prevent motion sickness and how to deal with Gs, suiting up with flight suit, g-suit, harness, helmet and mask, the briefing with my pilot Maj. Jason Markzon, the flight itself with commentary, an interview about the Thunderbirds with Jason, as well as a reflection on what the flight meant to...
2019-07-193h 33omega tau - English only(My Flight with) The USAF Thunderbirds
Guest: Jason Markzon, Jafet Ojeda Host: Markus Voelter
Shownoter: Bastian Hundt, Jochen Spalding
In June 2019 I had the pleasure and honor to fly in an F-16D with the USAF Thunderbirds. The episode covers the medical briefing about how to prevent motion sickness and how to deal with Gs, suiting up with flight suit, g-suit, harness, helmet and mask, the briefing with my pilot Maj. Jason Markzon, the flight itself with commentary, an interview about the Thunderbirds with Jason, as well as a reflection on what the flight meant to...
2019-07-193h 33omega tau science & engineering podcastThe ALICE Detector
Guest: Despina Hatzifotiadou Host: Markus Voelter
Shownoter: Kolja Dummann
In May I visited ALICE, one of the four large experiments at the LHC and talked with Despina Hatzifotiadou. We briefly discussed the science that ALICE is interested in, and then spent the majority of the time dissecting the detector to understand its components and how they detect the various products of particle collisions.
Introduction 00:02:54
Super Proton–Antiproton Synchrotron
ALICE Physics 00:06:09
ALICE Physics (omega tau 030 – The Large Hadron Collider | omega tau 102 – Discover...
2019-07-092h 02omega tau - English onlyThe ALICE Detector
Guest: Despina Hatzifotiadou Host: Markus Voelter
Shownoter: Kolja Dummann
In May I visited ALICE, one of the four large experiments at the LHC and talked with Despina Hatzifotiadou. We briefly discussed the science that ALICE is interested in, and then spent the majority of the time dissecting the detector to understand its components and how they detect the various products of particle collisions.
Introduction 00:02:54
Super Proton–Antiproton Synchrotron
ALICE Physics 00:06:09
ALICE Physics (omega tau 030 – The Large Hadron Collider | omega tau 10...
2019-07-092h 02omega tau science & engineering podcastModeling Socio-Technical Systems
Guests: Igor Nikolic Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Mario Winkler
Socio-technical systems are systems where (groups of) humans interact with (non-trivial) technical systems; an example is the power grid. The people, the technical system and the combination might easily lead to complex behavior that is hard to predict and control over the long term. However, as illustrated by, for example, the need to transition our energy infrastructure to a more sustainable structure, it is necessary for society to “control” such systems. Igor Nikolic is a professor at the TU Delft where he uses...
2019-06-142h 42omega tau - English onlyModeling Socio-Technical Systems
Guests: Igor Nikolic Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Mario Winkler
Socio-technical systems are systems where (groups of) humans interact with (non-trivial) technical systems; an example is the power grid. The people, the technical system and the combination might easily lead to complex behavior that is hard to predict and control over the long term. However, as illustrated by, for example, the need to transition our energy infrastructure to a more sustainable structure, it is necessary for society to “control” such systems. Igor Nikolic is a professor at the TU Delft where he uses...
2019-06-142h 42omega tau science & engineering podcastLondon Air Ambulance
Guests: Neil Jeffers, Adam Spink Host: Markus Voelter
Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
Earlier this year I visited the London Air Ambulance, a charity organization that flies two MD-902 helicopters over the UK’s capital. I chatted with their chief pilot Neil Jeffers about the flying and some of the medical aspects. My recorder then joined Neil on a short flight to their hangar at RAF Northolt. There, we met Adam Spink, a NATS air traffic controller at Heathrow, and the three of us chatted about the ATC perspective of flying helicopters (so...
2019-06-012h 13omega tau - English onlyLondon Air Ambulance
Guests: Neil Jeffers, Adam Spink Host: Markus Voelter
Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
Earlier this year I visited the London Air Ambulance, a charity organization that flies two MD-902 helicopters over the UK’s capital. I chatted with their chief pilot Neil Jeffers about the flying and some of the medical aspects. My recorder then joined Neil on a short flight to their hangar at RAF Northolt. There, we met Adam Spink, a NATS air traffic controller at Heathrow, and the three of us chatted about the ATC perspective of flying helicopters (so...
2019-06-012h 13omega tau science & engineering podcastVolocopter
Gast: Stephan Wolf, Michael Harms, Alexander Zosel
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Fabian Zeisberger
Letzten Herbst war ich in Bruchsal bei Volocopter, die Multikopter-Flugtaxis entwickeln. Ich habe mich mit Stephan Wolf über Software und die Steuerung unterhalten, mit Michael Harms über Struktur und Aerodynamik und mit Alexander Zosel über Einsatzszenarien und Geschäftsmodelle.
Interview mit Stephan Wolf und Erklärung des Flugmechanismus 00:03:46
Volocopter (Unternehmen) | Volocopter (Produkt) | Quadrocopter | Bürstenloser Motor | Mikromechanik (OmegaTau 280 - Hubschrauberfliegen) | OmegaTau kurz und knackig 1: Hubschrauberfliegen | GNSS | ECU (Steuergerät) (OmegaTau 221 - Seilbahnen) | Fly-by-Wire | Kalman-Fi...
2019-05-222h 30
omega tau - German onlyVolocopter
Gast: Stephan Wolf, Michael Harms, Alexander Zosel
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Fabian Zeisberger
Letzten Herbst war ich in Bruchsal bei Volocopter, die Multikopter-Flugtaxis entwickeln. Ich habe mich mit Stephan Wolf über Software und die Steuerung unterhalten, mit Michael Harms über Struktur und Aerodynamik und mit Alexander Zosel über Einsatzszenarien und Geschäftsmodelle.
Interview mit Stephan Wolf und Erklärung des Flugmechanismus 00:03:46
Volocopter (Unternehmen) | Volocopter (Produkt) | Quadrocopter | Bürstenloser Motor | Mikromechanik (OmegaTau 280 - Hubschrauberfliegen) | OmegaTau kurz und knackig 1: Hubschrauberfliegen | GNSS | ECU (Steuergerät) (OmegaTau 221 - Seilbahnen) | Fly-by-Wire | Kalman-Filte...
2019-05-222h 30omega tau - English onlyThe Wendelstein 7-X Fusion Experiment
Guest: Ralf Kleiber, Matthias Hirsch Host: Markus Voelter
Shownoter: Alexander Grote
In our never-ending quest to understand fusion and its potential use in energy production, I visited the Wendelstein 7-X fusion experiment in Greifswald run by the Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik. We started out with a visit to the experiment hall, while experimentalist Matthias Hirsch gave us an overview over the machine. Next we discussed theory and modeling with Ralf Kleiber. Finally, I returned to Matthias Hirsch, and we chatted about more experimental aspects of Wendelstein. It is probably best t...
2019-05-113h 27omega tau science & engineering podcastThe Wendelstein 7-X Fusion Experiment
Guest: Ralf Kleiber, Matthias Hirsch Host: Markus Voelter
Shownoter: Alexander Grote
In our never-ending quest to understand fusion and its potential use in energy production, I visited the Wendelstein 7-X fusion experiment in Greifswald run by the Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik. We started out with a visit to the experiment hall, while experimentalist Matthias Hirsch gave us an overview over the machine. Next we discussed theory and modeling with Ralf Kleiber. Finally, I returned to Matthias Hirsch, and we chatted about more experimental aspects of Wendelstein. It is probably best t...
2019-05-113h 27omega tau - German onlyDampfloks
Gäste: Nils Hirche, Patrick Schönenberg, Tobias Pokallus
Host: Markus Voelter, Marcus Metzdorf Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
In dieser Coproduktion mit dem Zugfunk Podcast geht es um Dampfloks. Letzten Herbst bin ich mit der 01-150 mitgefahren, die Nils Hirche und Tobias Pokallus von den Ulmer Eisenbahnfreunden von Koblenz nach Krefeld überführt haben. Und im Januar diesen Jahres haben Marcus Metzdorf und ich uns dann wieder mit Nils und Tobias, sowie mit Patrick Schönenberg in Heilbronn getroffen um über die Technik von Dampfloks zu reden. Dementsprechend hat die Episode auch zwei...
2019-05-023h 34omega tau science & engineering podcastDampfloks
Gäste: Nils Hirche, Patrick Schönenberg, Tobias Pokallus
Host: Markus Voelter, Marcus Metzdorf Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
In dieser Coproduktion mit dem Zugfunk Podcast geht es um Dampfloks. Letzten Herbst bin ich mit der 01-150 mitgefahren, die Nils Hirche und Tobias Pokallus von den Ulmer Eisenbahnfreunden von Koblenz nach Krefeld überführt haben. Und im Januar diesen Jahres haben Marcus Metzdorf und ich uns dann wieder mit Nils und Tobias, sowie mit Patrick Schönenberg in Heilbronn getroffen um über die Technik von Dampfloks zu reden. Dementsprechend hat die Episode auch z...
2019-05-023h 34omega tau - English onlyForensic Engineering
Guest: Sean Brady Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Stefaan Rillaert
In this episode I chat with Sean Brady about structural failures in civil engineering. We first discuss the technical and organzational causes for such failures. We then look at Sean’s specialty, forensic engineering, which is about analyzing failures to determine the root cause. Sean also has his own podcast in which he delves into much more detail about engineering failures, not just in construction.
Introduction 00:02:12
Sean Brady | Forensic structural engineering | Root cause analysis
Structural engine...
2019-04-092h 04omega tau science & engineering podcastForensic Engineering
Guest: Sean Brady Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Stefaan Rillaert
In this episode I chat with Sean Brady about structural failures in civil engineering. We first discuss the technical and organzational causes for such failures. We then look at Sean’s specialty, forensic engineering, which is about analyzing failures to determine the root cause. Sean also has his own podcast in which he delves into much more detail about engineering failures, not just in construction.
Introduction 00:02:12
Sean Brady | Forensic structural engineering | Root cause analysis
Structural engineering 00...
2019-04-092h 04omega tau science & engineering podcastServicerobotik
Gast: Arne Roennau Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Pascal Becker
Anfang des Jahres war ich am Forschungszentrum Informatik in Karlsruhe und habe mich dort mit Arne Roennau über Servicerobotik unterhalten. Wir beginnen mit einer Begriffsdefinition und Abgrenzung von Robotik allgemein und sprechen dann über diverse Aspekte der Hard- und Software. Die Episode endet mit einem Rundgang durch das Labor.
Vorstellung 00:02:30
Servicerobotik @ FZI Forschungszentrum Informatik | Arne Rönnau
Servicerobotik - Definition und Beispiele 00:01:12
Servicerobotik | International Federation of Robotics (Paro - Roboter-Robbe für die Pflege...
2019-04-022h 18omega tau - German onlyServicerobotik
Gast: Arne Roennau Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Pascal Becker
Anfang des Jahres war ich am Forschungszentrum Informatik in Karlsruhe und habe mich dort mit Arne Roennau über Servicerobotik unterhalten. Wir beginnen mit einer Begriffsdefinition und Abgrenzung von Robotik allgemein und sprechen dann über diverse Aspekte der Hard- und Software. Die Episode endet mit einem Rundgang durch das Labor.
Vorstellung 00:02:30
Servicerobotik @ FZI Forschungszentrum Informatik | Arne Rönnau
Servicerobotik - Definition und Beispiele 00:01:12
Servicerobotik | International Federation of Robotics (Paro - Roboter-Robbe für die Pflege) | Br...
2019-04-022h 18omega tau science & engineering podcastAufzüge
Gast: Martin Fetzer Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Thomas Machowinski
Im Dezember war ich bei ThyssenKrupp Elevator in Rottweil beim Testturm. Dort habe ich mich unterhalten mit Martin Fetzer. Wir sprachen zunächst über konventionelle, seilgebundene Aufzüge und deren Limits, und dann über den neuen seillosen Aufzug MULTI den ThyssenKrupp derzeit entwickelt. Im zweiten Teil haben wir uns dann die Testinfrastruktur im Turm angeschaut.
Video: ThyssenKrupp unveils the world’s first sideways-moving elevator system
Video: An Elevator That Actually Goes Sideways
Einführung zu Aufzügen 00:0...
2019-03-231h 31omega tau - German onlyAufzüge
Gast: Martin Fetzer Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Thomas Machowinski
Im Dezember war ich bei ThyssenKrupp Elevator in Rottweil beim Testturm. Dort habe ich mich unterhalten mit Martin Fetzer. Wir sprachen zunächst über konventionelle, seilgebundene Aufzüge und deren Limits, und dann über den neuen seillosen Aufzug MULTI den ThyssenKrupp derzeit entwickelt. Im zweiten Teil haben wir uns dann die Testinfrastruktur im Turm angeschaut.
Video: ThyssenKrupp unveils the world’s first sideways-moving elevator system
Video: An Elevator That Actually Goes Sideways
Einführung zu Aufzügen 00:01:56
2019-03-231h 31omega tau science & engineering podcastFlying the RC-135S Cobra Ball
Guest: Robert Hopkins Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
Throughout the cold war, and til today, the Cobra-codenamed ground, sea and air assets have been used by the US to monitor Soviet/Russian ICBM missile launches and warhead reentries. The air component consists of the RC-135 Cobra Ball/Eye aircraft. Flying from Shemya in the Aleutians they used cameras and other sensors. Our guest, Robert Hopkins has been flying the aircraft in the late 1980s. In this episode he tells us about the mission and the flying — Shemya could be quite ch...
2019-03-091h 33omega tau - English onlyFlying the RC-135S Cobra Ball
Guest: Robert Hopkins Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
Throughout the cold war, and til today, the Cobra-codenamed ground, sea and air assets have been used by the US to monitor Soviet/Russian ICBM missile launches and warhead reentries. The air component consists of the RC-135 Cobra Ball/Eye aircraft. Flying from Shemya in the Aleutians they used cameras and other sensors. Our guest, Robert Hopkins has been flying the aircraft in the late 1980s. In this episode he tells us about the mission and the flying — Shemya could be quite ch...
2019-03-091h 33omega tau - English onlyThe Past, Present and Future of Fusion Energy
Guest: Jason Parisi, Justin Ball Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Stefaan Rillaert
Justin and Jason wrote a nice book on fusion called The Future of Fusion Energy, and this episode is based on this book. We start out by revisiting the breakthroughs that drove progress in fusion over the decades, including understanding stars, the tokamak, superconducting magnets, supercomputers and a number of specific aspects of plasma physics. We then look at the current state of fusion research as well as where it might go.
Introduction 00:02:43
Justin Ball | Sw...
2019-02-092h 15omega tau - German onlyDas SI System der Einheiten
Gast: Hansjörg Scherer Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Fabian Zeisberger
Die SI Einheiten sind das Fundament der modernen Metrologie. Sie legen ein System von sieben grundlegenden physikalischen Größen sowie deren numerischen Werte fest. Darauf basierend werden dann andere Einheiten abgeleitet. Aktuell basieren einige Einheiten noch auf Prototypen wie dem Urkilogramm. Um davon wegzukommen wird am 20. Mai eine neue, ausschließlich auf fundamentalen Naturkonstanten beruhende Version des SI Systems in Kraft treten. In dieser Folge unterhalten wir uns über das aktuelle und das neue System mit unserem Gast Hansjörg Scherer von der PTB...
2019-01-261h 21omega tau - German onlyDie Atomuhren der PTB
Gast: Johannes Rahm, Nils Huntemann Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Jochen Spalding
Im November war ich in Braunschweig bei der Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt und habe mich dort mit Johannes Rahm und Nils Huntemann über die Atomuhren unterhalten die die PTB im Rahmen ihrer Aufgabe als nationales Metrologisches Institut betreibt. Wir besprechen das Funktionsprinzip der aktuellen Uhren sowie die Forschung an der nächsten Generation.
Die in der Episode erwähnte Youtube-Playlist mit den Kurz&Knackig Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4AwP33tslbf53TlYVUUf0LMjQSHvjSPp
Das Episodenbanner (c) PTB
2019-01-111h 29omega tau - English onlyHow Processors Got So Fast
Guest: Lex Augusteijn Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Stefaan Rillaert
Have you ever wondered how the processor in your phone or computer got so much more faster than what the increase in megahertz suggests? In this episode we talk with Lex Augusteijn about superscalar processors, pipelining, speculative execution, register renaming and the like. We also discuss concerns other than speed, in particular, energy efficiency.
Introduction 00:06:00
Lex Augusteijn | KIM-1 computer | 6502 processor | Functional programming | Philips Research Eindhoven | Compiler | Media processor | DSP | Neuromorphic computing
Basics 00:10:53
Moore's law | Richard Fe...
2018-12-172h 25omega tau - English onlyGravity Storage
Guest: Eduard Heindl Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Fabian Zeisberger
With power generation in the grid becoming more diverse and decentralized, energy storage is becoming more and more important. Eduard Heindl‘s gravity storage is an approach to storing electrical energy as potential energy by lifting huge masses cut out of the ground. While this sounds crazy, there are lots of reasons why this makes sense. In the episode we discuss then need, the general approach, the construction process and some of the engineering challenges. We also look at the innovation process, th...
2018-12-021h 40omega tau - English onlyFlying the AH-64 Apache
Guest: Caleb Marheine Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Alexander Grote
In mid-September I drove to Illesheim Army Airfield to meet with Caleb Marheine who flies the AH-64 Apache helicopter there. We talked about the helicopter’s systems, the cockpit, aspects of flying it as well as some of the missions.
My own Pictures
Jon’s Pictures
Introduction of the helicopter 00:04:50
AH-64D Apache | Engines | Rotor | MD500 | Forward looking infrared | Bell 206 | Weapons | HEDP | Hellfire Rack | Longbow Radar | Airframe | Pitot Tube | Flare | Chaff | Buckets | Tail Rotor | Stabelize...
2018-11-182h 28omega tau - English onlyBepiColombo
Guests: Pablo Munoz, Joe Zender, Roberto Peron, Ajako Matsuoka, Joana Oliveira, Paolo Ferri, Andreas Rudolph, Fabian Luedicke Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Mario Winkler
On October 20, the BepiColombo started its flight to Mercury on an Ariane 5 from Kourou. I was at the launch press event at ESOC in Darmstadt to follow the launch and to record a couple of interviews. The episode consists of three major parts. The first part is an interview with Pablo Munoz about mission analysis and flight dynamics. The second part looks at the science with Joe Zender...
2018-10-262h 12omega tau - English onlyGene Editing with CRISPR/Cas
Guest: Sam Sternberg Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Thomas Machowinski
CRISPR is a family of DNA sequences in bacteria and archaea that are a part of these organisms’ cellular defense system. A recent discovery showed how this mechanism can be used to edit genes much more easily than legacy methods. In this episode I chat with Sam Sternberg about the naturally occuring CRISPR systems, how they work, and how CRISPR together with its associated enzymes can be used to cut, and subsequently, edit, DNA. We conclude the episode with an outlook on th...
2018-09-141h 31omega tau - English onlyFlying in the Papuan Bush
Guest: Daniel Geaslen Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Mario Winkler
I chat with Daniel Geaslen about bush flying. His (at this time, former) job is to fly Kodiak turbo props for Mission Aviation Fellowship in Papua Indonesia, supplying remote villages. We cover the airplane, the missions, as well as the flying itself, with a particular focus on weather and challenging airfields.
If you want to donate to MAF, check out maf.org/donate.
Introduction 00:02:28
Daniel Geaslen | Twitter | YouTube chanhel | Papua New Guinea | Papua Indonesia | Wamena
...
2018-08-311h 44omega tau - German onlyLangs Biogas-Kraftwerk
Guest: Ernst-Günther und Matthias Lang Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Jochen Spalding
Vor ein paar Wochen habe ich Ernst-Günther und Matthias Lang auf ihrem Hof und Biogas-Kraftwerk besucht. Wir haben uns unterhalten über den Verarbeitungs- und Energiegewinnungsprozess, die Integration und Synergien mit der Landwirtschaft sowie Aspekte der Wirtschaftlichkeit und der Unterstützung erneuerbarer Energien in Deutschland generell.
Am Anfang der Episode sprechen Nora und Markus eine Viertelstunde über OT10, das nun definitiv stattfinden wird!
Markus und Nora zu OT10 und anderem 00:00:30
OT10 am 20. Oktober | V...
2018-08-172h 09omega tau - English onlyMusic Production at Sandlane Studios
Guest: Joost van den Broek Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
A few years ago, I interviewed Arjen Lucassen about his wonderful music and how he makes it; obviously, I am a big fan! Recently, his Ayreon universe was performed live on stage and I was blown away. I decided I had to talk the the guy behind the live shows, Joost van den Broek. Luckily he agreed. So I visited him in his studios and we talked about music production and arrangement in general, and specifically for the Ayreon live...
2018-08-012h 06omega tau - English onlyFlight Research at NASA Armstrong, Part 3: Historic
Guest: Al Bowers Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Tim Jurik
In this episode I talk with NASA Armstrong’s chief scientist Al Bowers about the research projects he has been involved in during his long career at NASA. We cover deep stall research with a Schweizer sailplane, high-alpha flight and thrust vectoring with the X-29, X-31 and F-18 HARV, aero-tow of fast jets with the F-106, supercritical wings with the F-8, as well as space related projects using the SR-71 and the X-30. This is one of my favourite episodes of all ti...
2018-07-173h 00omega tau - English onlySoftware Analog Effects
Guest: Julian Parker Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Jochen Spalding
Effects devices are essential for electric guitars and keyboards because they shape sound and make it interesting; many classic devices exist. However, those are rare and/or expensive, plus, even if they are not, carrying them around on a tour costs money. This is why these hardware devices are simulated in software, and distributed as plugins for audio software. Native Instruments is a manufacturer of such software analog effects packages. In this episode I chat with one of their engineers, Julian Parker...
2018-06-212h 04omega tau - English onlySuperconductivity
Guest: Pierre Bauer Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Kolja Dummann
Superconductivity, the ability of a material to carry electrical current with zero resistance, is a surprising property of nature, which man has been able to exploit in many ways, in particular, for high-performance magnets. Those are used in magnetic resonance imagers, but also in colliders and fusion reactors. In this episode we discuss the basics of superconductivity and its uses with Pierre Bauer, a superconductor engineer at ITER.
Superconductivity and its Discovery 00:03:05
Inversion temperature | Kamerlingh Onnes | James Dewar | Helium...
2018-06-082h 50omega tau - German onlyKohlefaser-Flügelschalenproduktion bei Airbus
Guest: Lars Fiedler Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Pascal Becker
Im Rahmen der letzten Tour war ich auch bei Airbus im Werk Stade wo Flügelschalen aus Kohlefaser-Verbundwerkstoffen hergestellt werden. Wir haben uns dort mit Lars Fiedler unterhalten und die Produktion bzw. die einzelnen Schritten angeschaut: Prepregs, Laminierrobotor und den großen Autoklaven.
Videos:
MTORRES AFP A350XWB
MTorres TORRESFIBERLAYUP AFP Lamination
Airbus A350 Upper Wing and Fuselage Panel Construction at Airbus Stade Plant
Fotos (c) Airbus
Einführung 00:03:11
Lars Fiedler | Strukturmechanik | CFK Bauteile Kohl...
2018-05-231h 37omega tau - English onlyThe Perlan Project
Guest: Lars Bensch, Jim Payne Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Stefaan Rillaert
The Perlan Project aims to fly gliders into the stratosphere by exploiting mountain waves in order to better understand those waves and to explore the edge of what gliders can do. In fact, last September, they broke the world altitude record for gliders. In this episode we chat about the project, the airplane and the flying with engineer Lars Bensch and pilot Jim Payne.
Introduction and Goals 00:03:39
Lars Bensch | Perlan Project | Wired article and video | Strato...
2018-05-101h 51omega tau - English onlyMicrogravity Research at ZARM Drop Tower
Guest: Martin Castillo Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Alexander Grote
During our tour NorthWest 2017 I visited the drop tower at Uni Bremen’s ZARM and talked with Martin Castillo, the head of material science at the facility. We discussed the basics of microgravity research, the technical aspects of the tower, how to set up experiments, and also about his particular work in material science.
Introduction of Dr. Martin Castillo and ZARM Droptower 00:03:00
Microgravity | ZARM | Overview of Experiments at ZARM | Drag | Deceleration Chamber | Capsules | ZARM User Manual
2018-03-101h 46omega tau - English onlyLife and Work on HMS Enterprise
Guests: Philip Harper, Kyle O’Regan, Oliver Jessop, Graham Blenkinsop, Ian Sutton, Lee Williams
Shownoter: Jochen Spalding, Fabian Zeisberger, Andy Joiner, Bastian Hundt, Stefaan Rillaert
Host: Markus Voelter
In December 2017 I had the opportunity to spend a few days on board the Royal Navy’s HMS Enterprise on her trip from Limassol, Cyprus to Valetta, Malta. HMS Enterprise is a survey ship, her primary task is to map the sea floor using sonar and feed the data into civilian and military maps. In this detailed episode, we chat about the...
2018-02-078h 03omega tau - English onlyLinguistics, Conlangers and Game Of Thrones' Dothraki
Guest: David J. Peterson Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Stefaan Rillaert
Conlangers are people who design human languages, either just for fun or for use in works of fiction, often TV series or movies. My guest, David Peterson, has designed several languages, including the the Dothraki language featured prominently in Game Of Thrones. In this episode we use Dothraki (and English, and a bit of German) to introduce the basics of linguistics, i.e., the science behind natural (and in this case, designed) languages. We also discuss a few specific of Dothraki...
2018-01-172h 11omega tau - English onlyThe Shuttle's Achievements for Space Exploration
Guest: Davide Sivolella Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
This episode is a continuation of the two previous episodes (132, 133) with Davide on the Space Shuttle. Based on his new, second book we talk about the contributions the Space Shuttle made to space exploration in general. These include advances in space suits, the construction of the ISS, satellite servicing, its use as a science platform as well as military operations.
Introduction 00:02:37
Davide Sivolella (Episode 132 - Space Shuttle Systems | Episode 133 - Space Shuttle Operations) | Apollo program | Low Earth orbit ...
2017-12-252h 19omega tau - English onlyNuclear Weapons
Guest: Alex Wellerstein Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
In this episode we chat about the science and engineering involved in nuclear weapons. Our guest is Alex Wellerstein of the Stevens Institute of Technology. We talk about atomic bombs as well as hydrogen bombs, how to refine the necessary fuels as well as a little bit of history.
A few specific links, as mentioned on the episode:
Alex’ Blog nuclearsecrecy.com
Alex’ Nukemap
David Baker’s book on nuclear weapons
Eric Schlosser’s book, Command and Control.
And as i...
2017-11-262h 31omega tau - English onlyThe Quantum Tron UAV
Guest: Florian Seibel Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
Quantum Systems designs, builds and sells unmanned air vehicles for professional use. Their particular specialty is VTOL designs, i.e., UAVs that take off and land vertically, but then switch to airplane mode for airplane-like speed and range. In this episode we chat with Quantum’s CEO Florian Seibel about their primary drone, the Tron. We focus on the motivation for developing the aircraft, the use cases, as well as design decisions and technical aspects.
An inflight video. Another one in 360 d...
2017-10-221h 50omega tau - English onlySecondary Surveillance Radar
Guest: Mike Sharples Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Stefan Rillaert
Secondary surveillance radar (SSR) is the radar technology used in aviation to query transponders; it forms the backbone of today’s air traffic control infrastructure. Our guest in this episode is Mike Sharples who has been part of the development of the technology and is intimately familiar with the details. We discuss the importance of SSR today, the details of the protocol, the difference between and evolution from Mode A/C to S as well as the relationship to ADS-B.
Intr...
2017-10-132h 14omega tau - English onlyThe History and Technology of Spy Satellites
Guest: David Baker Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Alexander Grote
In this episode we speak with David Baker, who wrote a fascinating book about spy satellites. We cover the political and military context that drove their development, their (known and suspected) capabilities, methods of recovering the images, as well as typical orbits and the sartellites’ ability to change that orbit for quick repositioning.
Here are the videos I mentioned on the show:
The Last Bucket Catch
Corona Project: “A Point in Time” 1995 CIA
First Spy Satellites: “Corona Project Overview”
CIA Spy Satellit...
2017-07-282h 05omega tau - English onlyFlight Research at NASA Armstrong, Part 2: Fullscale
Guest: Kevin Weinert, Jim Less, Scott Howe, Hernan Posada Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Bastian Hundt
As part of my trip to the US earlier this year I visited NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. I conducted six interviews over two days, those concerning full scale (“real”) aircraft are in this episode. We start out with Kevin Weinert, with whom we talk about the Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge project, essentially a flap made of flexible materials to save fuel and reduce noise. Next up is Jim Less, one of...
2017-07-212h 56omega tau - English onlyFlight Research at NASA Armstrong, Part 1: Subscale
Guest: Al Bowers, Cheng Moua, Matt Moholt Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
As part of my trip to the US earlier this year I visited NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. I conducted six interviews over two days, the ones concerning subscale research (i.e., on model airplanes) are in this episode. We start with a conversation about flying wings in general and Prandtl-D in particular with Armstrong’s Chief Scientist Al Bowers. Next, we chat about flutter research and the X-56 with project lead Cheng Moua...
2017-07-161h 59omega tau - English onlyAerial Refueling with the KDC-10
Guest: Martin and Louis Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Kolja Dummann
In late March 2017 I was participating in the media day of the European Air Refueling Training Exercise, organized by the European Air Transport Command headquartered in Eindhoven. While the planned flight on the Dutch KDC-10 did not work our for technical reasons, I recorded a follow-up interview with tanker captain Martin and boom operator Louis. We discussed a number of details around air-to-air refuelling in general and the KDC-10 in particular. The episode begins with an overview of aerial refueling that I reco...
2017-07-081h 09omega tau - English onlyRed Flag
Guest: Jan Stahl, John Traylor, Graham Johnson Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Pascal Becker
On the second day of my visit to Nellis AFB we covered the Red Flag, an advanced aerial combat training exercise hosted multiple times per year at Nellis. We started out with a general overview with Jan Stahl; we also covered the role of the aggressors. I then talked with John Traylor who works as a ground intercept controller for the aggressors. Next is a conversation with Graham Johnson about Red Flag from the perspective of a blue force...
2017-06-173h 09omega tau - English onlyFlying the F-16 Viper
Guest: Jan Stahl Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Thomas Machowinski
As part of my US trip 2017 I visited Nellis AFB, where LtCol Jan Stahl flies the F-16 for the 64th Aggressor Squadron. We spent a day around, in and under the F-16. The episode contains five parts. A brief introduction to the F-16 and its development, a discussion about flying it, a walkaround, a look at all the knobs, switches and displays in the cockpit as well as a detailed discussion on the HOTAS system that forms the backbone of the pilot’s intera...
2017-06-093h 31omega tau - English onlyPlasma Physics
Guests: Walter Gekelman, Troy Carter Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Andy Joiner
During my trip to the US I also visited the Basic Plasma Science Facility at the UCLA in Los Angeles. I talked with the two professors who run the facility, Walter Gekelman and Troy Carter. We discuss the basics of plasma, the research questions of plasma physics and some of the experimental challenges. I also get (and report on) a tour through the facility, which was very impressive, mainly because the whole system was built by the team around Walter and Tr...
2017-05-202h 27omega tau - English onlyDistant Early Warning, SAGE and the F-106 Delta Dart
Guest: Mike Milinkovich, Brian Jeffrey, Richard Embry, Bernd Ulmann
Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Jochen Spalding
In this episode we look back at (aspects of) the North American Air Defense system in the cold war. In particular, we look at the distant early warning line(s), the F-106 interceptor and the SAGE computer system. For DEW, we talk with Mike Milinkovich and Brian Jeffrey who have both worked on the DEW line; Brian also maintains a great website on DEW. For the F-106, we talk with Richard Embry who has flown the in...
2017-05-133h 52omega tau - English onlyBulk Metallic Glass
Guest: Douglas Hofmann Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Alexander Grote
Dr. Douglas Hofmann works as a scientist in the Metallurgy Lab at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. I visited Doug during my US trip earlier this year, and we chatted about metallic glass. In particular, we discussed its properties, how to create it in bulk, how to test its properties, as well as how and why it is interesting for use in space.
Introduction of Dr. Douglas Hofmann 00:01:21
JPL Metallurgy Facility | Metallurgy | Technology Readiness Level
Metallic Gla...
2017-05-071h 46omega tau - English onlySpace Flight Software
Guest: Maria Hernek Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Markus Voelter
Last fall I visited ESTEC, ESA’s space research and technology center. In this first of three episodes, I talk with Maria Hernek, who heads the Flight Software Systems section. We talk about the challenges of space flight software, the development processes used by ESA and its vendors, as well as means of ensuring the required quality attributes. This episode can be seen as a continuation of the conversation with Andreas Wortmann in the OHB episode.
Introduction Maria and Departme...
2017-02-181h 47omega tau - English onlyA Walk in the Woods with Miami Rick and the Big Boeings
Guest: Rick Ruiz Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Markus Voelter
Rick Ruiz is a pilot for Atlas Air where he flies various versions of the Boeing 747 freighter. Previously he flew the 767 and the 777 for LAN Chile, primarily cargo as well. Rick is also a crew member of the Airline Pilot Guy podcast, where he is known as Miami Rick. In this episode, we stroll through the woods around Landstuhl, Germany, where I visited Rick while he was on a layover. We geek out about flying the Big Boeings.
Introduction Miami...
2017-02-111h 53omega tau - English onlyFlying the F-15 Eagle
Guest: Jeff Fellmeth Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Markus Voelter
When I was young, in the 80s, I was extremely interested in military airplanes, I more or less grew up with three iconic fighters: the F-15, F-16 and F-18. I want to thoroughly cover those airplanes on omega tau, and this episode on the F-15 is a great start. I talk with Jeff Fellmeth, a former F-15A/C/E pilot about the airplane, avionics, trainings, missions and the units he has been a part of. We also talk a little bit about...
2016-11-272h 20omega tau - English onlyFlying the V-22 Osprey
Gast: Seth Cannon Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Markus Voelter
The V-22 Osprey is the first operational tilt rotor aircraft. After not always problem-free development and test period, it is now used successfully with the USAF and the USMC. In this episode we talk to a V-22 pilot, Maj. Seth Cannon of the 7th SOS in RAF Mildenhall about the aircraft, some of its systems, and, primarily, about how it is flown. I met Seth Cannon in Bayreuth, where one of the 7th SOS had to land because of problems with a gearbo...
2016-10-171h 05omega tau - English onlyPort Towage and Tugs
Guests: Lex van der Schaaf, Andrey Volkov, Arno Jacq, Jan Luursema, Baldo Dielen Host: Markus Voelter Shownoter: Stefaan Rillaert
In this 200th episode of omega tau we cover a topic that has been on our list for a long time: harbour tugs. We start out with a conversation with Lex van der Schaaf, the COO of Port Towage Amsterdam, who gives us a general introduction to port towage. Markus then joins Arno, Jan and Andrey on their tug Thetis for a day of towing in the port of Amsterdam. In the...
2016-03-312h 27omega tau - English onlyDas Jahr The Year 2015
Gäste/Guests: – Hosts: Markus Voelter, Nora Ludewig Shownoter: –
This episode is German and English. Forward to the second chapter (or to 59:50) to get to the English part.
Dies ist kein Interview, sondern ein Rückblick auf 2015. Nora und Markus besprechen was gut lief und was nicht so gut lief, bedanken und bei ein paar Leuten, besprechen einige Ergebnisse der Hörerumfrage und blicken kurz auf das kommende Jahr.
This is not a regular interview show. Instead, it is a review of 2015. Nora and Markus look at what...
2015-12-291h 43