Not a pioneer, but a humble, sensible woman - portrait of the first Hungarian female mechanical engineer, Vilma Mahrer

The first Hungarian female mechanical engineer, Vilma Mahrer graduated ninety-five years ago at the BME Faculty (or as it was called that time: Department) of Mechanical Engineering. She was the third woman, who graduated from BME (the first one was a civil engineer, while the second one was an architect). Some newspapers interviewed her, but this humble, young woman did not seek the spotlights. Even the archives tell a very little.

The time, when the contemporary newspaper-reading public got to know her, was when the daily newspaper Az Ujság interviewed with her in the apartment of her parents, one day after her graduation.

Why did you decide to be an engineer? – asked the Az Ujság. Her childhood friends were ambitious girls, ’all of them planned to be a professional’, Mahrer replied, ’to study to be a teacher, a doctor, an industrial artist, or a painter.’ Although her parents would have liked her rather stay at home, Vilma had a passionate interest in science, technology and engineering, and she did not imagine herself as a girl ’waiting for the fianceé at home.’ The fact that she would be the first female mechanical engineer inspired her even more. More

'The mathematic models we use enable us to analyse various complex networks'

Tamás Huzsvár and Richárd Wéber, PhD students of BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Hydrodynamic Systems examine the network theory and energy emission aspects of potable water networks. Their lecture was awarded a special award and a Public Choice Award on the potable water- and sewage system technology-related Dulovics Junior Symposium. Interview. 

What do you study in your PhD researches? 

Richárd Wéber: We both would like to build up and precise mathematical models of potable water networks, and draw overall conclusions about their operation. Our aim is that potable water should be transferred in proper quantity, most efficiently and inexpensively, to the consumers. We work based on the 1D hydraulic model of potable water networks, using mathematical tools of network theory.

What challenges can reduce the efficiency of these networks?

Richárd Wéber: For instance, there are vast quantities of leakages, due to the erosion of the pipes. It is pumped into the network, but no one pays for it, it is called non-invoiced water. There are methods to estimate the locations and how to reduce this loss. It is otherwise not necessarily secure, because these elements are located 1-2 meters underground, so it is costly and uncomfortable. More

Conquered not only space, but international science

After the successful launch, the SMOG-P PocketQube satellite, developed by BME, has reached orbit and still operating perfectly. An interview with Viktor Józsa and Róbert Kovács, assistant professors of BME, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Energy Engineering, who are lead mechanical engineers of the satellite project.

What was your role in the development of the SMOG-P PocketQube satellite?

Róbert Kovács (RK): The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering joined the project in the fields of structural design, thermal analyses, and other mechanical-vibrational investigations.

Viktor Józsa (VJ): The MaSat-1, the first Hungarian satellite, got to orbit in 2012 and had operated excellently until its return to Earth’s atmosphere in 2015. The most important function of small satellites is the ability to communicate. Thus, mostly electrical engineers, radio amateurs, smaller hobby groups, and university study groups build them. However, reliable operation also requires mechanical engineering knowledge. The 2.7 Kelvin (minus 270 ˚C) background temperature of space is the most important from thermal engineering point of view. Also, the rocket’s vibrations and the acceleration are important since the launching procedure exposes the satellite to the highest load which must be withstood. The role of vibrations and acceleration are highlighted because the majority of rockets are unmanned so they are not limited to 2-3 g. Instead, the payload is exposed to 10 g or even beyond to minimize the launch cost besides the hammer blow-like 100 g acceleration when the first stage is separated. Only then we get to the point to see if the spacecraft is still able to communicate or not. More