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University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering


Signatures of fractional electronic charge observed in topological insulators

Scientists at the University of Illinois have detected fractional electronic charges in topological insulators, a breakthrough that could lead to more efficient and robust devices. The discovery was made using specially designed microwave resonators, which allowed the researchers to measure the signature of these fractional charges.

Learning from fish and flags to inform new propulsion strategies

A team of researchers has discovered a connection between resonance and nonlinearity in swimming performance, revealing potential new bio-inspired propulsion strategies. By understanding the passive dynamics at play when vehicles move through air or water, they aim to enhance performance while reducing energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateApr 29, 2020

New measurements reveal evidence of elusive particles in a newly-discovered superconductor

Researchers at the University of Illinois have used high-resolution microscopy tools to study an unusual type of superconductor, uranium ditelluride (UTe2). The measurements reveal strong evidence for the presence of exotic Majorana particles on its surface, which could provide insights into fundamental physics and quantum computing.

Illinois researcher's theory of pore-scale transport to enable improved flow batteries

A new theory by Assistant Professor Kyle Smith predicts how fluid flow affects molecule reaction at porous electrode surfaces in redox flow batteries. The research enables prediction of mass transfer coefficients based on microscopic pore structure, enabling engineers to design optimal structures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateNov 21, 2019

UI researchers validate optimum composites structure created with additive manufacturing

A team of researchers successfully validated an optimized composite material structure created using additive manufacturing, resulting in a stiffer and stronger material. The structure features a curved deposition line pattern, which was found to be the most optimal for achieving maximum stiffness and strength.

Controlling instabilities gives closer look at chemistry from hypersonic vehicles

A team of researchers used a reduced order model to analyze data from high-fidelity simulations, gaining new knowledge about chemical reactions in hypersonic flows. The study looked at three types of gas compositions and found that vibrations temperatures could be predicted, as well as the formation of nitric oxide in small amounts.