A multidisciplinary team led by Natasha Vermaak investigates developing structural materials resistant to high-frequency thermomechanical loads for rotating detonation engines. The project aims to address the lack of established materials solutions for extreme thermomechanical loadings, enabling advancements in propulsion systems.
A comprehensive safety assessment framework for liquid hydrogen storage systems in UAVs has been developed, addressing thermal performance and structural integrity challenges. The framework integrates multiple analyses, including thermal insulation, structural analysis, fatigue testing, and impact assessments.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has completed its Center for Accelerating Materials and Processes (CAMP) facility, enabling faster production of high-speed propulsion systems. The new facility will focus on demonstrating more efficient techniques for manufacturing these systems.
A team at the University of Kansas will develop intelligent spectrum management frameworks to enable reliable communication for drones. They aim to study how to use a proposed 5030-5091 MHz frequency band efficiently, with potential benefits including quicker deliveries and improved emergency response.
A new AI oracle aimed at solving complex physics problems has received $19.4 million in funding from the US Department of Energy. The project, led by the University of Michigan, will focus on developing artificial intelligence models to generate trustworthy data for engineering design of complex devices.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a smart plastic that can self-heal and adapt to extreme conditions, making it ideal for aerospace and automotive applications. The material's unique properties allow it to restore its shape after deformation, improve vehicle safety, and reduce environmental waste.
Researchers have developed a metamaterial absorber spanning seven octaves that demonstrates an average absorption coefficient of 0.944, covering the entire audible spectrum. The absorber's compact profile and ultrabroadband performance show promising applications in aerospace noise reduction and precision acoustic environment control.
Researchers used 4D imaging to visualize heat shield material's evolution beneath its surface, revealing structural failure risks. The study improves modern ablation models and enhances heat shield performance.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are developing drones that can optimize wind in real time using a principle called dynamic soaring, inspired by albatrosses. The project aims to turn wind into an advantage for drones, reducing energy loss and increasing efficiency.
Researchers are applying Model-Based Systems Engineering to enhance system resilience and protect against cyber threats in aerospace. The initiative aims to create robust frameworks for safeguarding emerging technologies, with potential benefits including job creation and skills development.
University of Sydney researchers have developed a method to produce ammonia in gas form using electricity, offering a more sustainable alternative to the current Haber-Bosch process. This new approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a promising solution for the agricultural and hydrogen industries.
Tina Rost will use a $800,000 NSF CAREER award to control the disorder in high-entropy ceramics, making them stronger and more heat-resistant. Her team aims to develop new materials with tailored electrical, magnetic, and mechanical properties using machine learning-enhanced analysis.
A study of 200 pilots found that errors caused by lack of skills or poor decisions often contributed to inflight loss of control incidents. The research highlights the need for better pilot training, particularly in recovering from out-of-control situations like spins and spirals.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has received a new contract worth up to $250 million from the US Air Force to sustain the structural integrity of aging military aircraft. The program supports the A-10 Thunderbolt II, T-38 Talon, C-5 cargo carrier, and B-52 Stratofortress bomber, among others.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a 'metabot' material that can expand, assume new shapes, move, and respond to electromagnetic commands. The metamaterial's complex behavior is enabled by chirality, allowing it to defy typical physical object rules.
Researchers at the University of Houston create ceramic materials with origami-inspired shapes and a soft polymer coating, allowing them to bend under pressure without breaking. The resulting structures have improved toughness and can be used in medical prosthetics, aerospace, and robotics.
Satellites in traditional orbits face challenges such as crowding, lower resolution imaging, and longer distances for data transmission. Researchers are developing novel thruster systems to address these issues, including a self-neutralized air-breathing plasma thruster that uses the surrounding air as a propellant.
ChatGPT excelled on straightforward math homework, but struggled with higher-level problems requiring reasoning. The study concludes that a student can use ChatGPT exclusively to get a B and pass the course, but lacks learning.
Researchers at POSTECH developed a nickel-based high-entropy alloy that maintains strength and ductility across a wide temperature range from -196°C to 600°C. This stability is attributed to the presence of nanoscale precipitates, which inhibit deformation and accommodate stress through consistent slip behavior.
Researchers from Tsinghua University sent 2D materials and field-effect transistors into orbit aboard China's reusable recoverable satellite, Shijian-19. The materials maintained their structural integrity, exhibiting stable switching characteristics after a 14-day space flight.
Four UTA faculty members - Cameron, Dias, Shiakolas, and Yuan - recognized by the National Academy of Inventors for their outstanding research discoveries. Their innovations have made a tangible impact on society through patents, licensing, and commercialization.
Researchers will use sensors and software to predict AM part lifespan, enabling cost savings and extending part life. The project aims to improve Darwin software to provide detailed insights into manufacturing processes.
PERSEI Space's technology uses electrodynamic tethers to de-orbit satellites without fuel, increasing efficiency and reducing space debris. The company is leading a demonstration mission for 2026 to test its equipment.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel self-assembly process to create multilayered films with superior thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. The film exhibits enhanced hardness and self-healing ability compared to conventional materials.
Three UVA Engineering faculty members have been elected as AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in computer architecture, energy transport, and hydrology. Sandhya Dwarkadas, Patrick E. Hopkins, and Venkataraman Lakshmi were recognized for their innovative research and contributions to their respective fields.
A new study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers suggests that long-term exposure to Martian dust could lead to chronic respiratory problems, thyroid disease, and other health issues. The team identified toxic chemicals in the dust, including perchlorates, which can interfere with human thyroid function.
A team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking high-temperature copper alloy with exceptional thermal stability and mechanical strength. The novel bulk Cu-3Ta-0.5Li nanocrystalline alloy exhibits remarkable resistance to coarsening and creep deformation, even at temperatures near its melting point.
Deborah Levin and her Ph.D. student Irmak Taylan Karpuzcu conducted the first 3D simulations of hypersonic flows, exposing new disturbances in the interaction between gases and surfaces. The findings provide insights into the design considerations for hypersonic vehicles.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a new mathematical modeling technique for linear periodically time-varying systems, enhancing the accuracy of control system models. This breakthrough has profound implications for industries relying on complex control systems, such as autonomous vehicles and aerospace applications, imp...
A Colorado State University team has achieved a new milestone in 3D X-ray imaging technology by capturing high-resolution CT scans of the interior of a large, dense object using a compact, laser-driven X-ray source. This breakthrough offers a fast and non-destructive way to obtain detailed views inside dense structures.
The University of Michigan Department of Astronomy will launch its first space mission in 2029 with a $10 million NASA grant. The STARI mission aims to demonstrate a new technique for studying exoplanets, which could help search for life beyond our solar system.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a methodology for multiple CubeSats to act as service agents for assembling or repairing space telescopes. The method minimizes fuel consumption and guarantees safe operations without collisions.
NASA has successfully integrated its deployable aperture cover sunshade with the outer barrel assembly of the Roman Observatory, enhancing the telescope's ability to detect faint light from across the universe. The integration marks a significant milestone in the mission's assembly and testing phase.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a new solid lubricating mechanism that can reduce friction in machinery at extremely high temperatures. The novel coating has the potential to make components from rockets to semiconductors more safe, durable, and cost-effective.
Researchers developed an interactive tool to compare the efficiency of four sustainable propulsion systems: e-SAF, battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and hydrogen combustion. The tool considers factors like renewable electricity required, sustainability, and cost. It aims to provide a strategy for thinking about sustainable aviation...
Establishing a permanent lunar presence will depend on the use of AI, robotics, and 3D printing to adaptively respond to challenges. The moon's natural resources, such as regolith, can also reduce the need for Earth-launched supplies.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering have successfully integrated flexible electronics into a three-ply, self-deployable boom weighing only 20 grams. The boom's paper-thin structure is designed to withstand harsh space conditions and enable multifunctional devices.
A UVA professor has made new discoveries about electron kinetic behavior within plasma beams, potentially revealing the 'shape' of future space technology. The findings could lead to more efficient and reliable electric propulsion systems for long-duration space missions.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has launched the Center for Space Technology and Operations Research, which will advance engineering, technology, and operations supporting space missions. The center will address growing demands from civil, commercial, and national security space agencies and companies.
A UCF researcher is developing a thermochemical energy storage system to reserve solar energy for future use and contribute to the global transition to clean energy. The system uses chemical reactions to absorb or release heat, making it an advantageous way to store energy at high temperatures.
The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics develops advanced underwater robots and autonomy algorithms, enabling intelligent operation without human oversight. The research team has received $7.4 million in grants to continue their mission, advancing unconventional marine platforms and enhancing AUV capabilities.
A team of researchers has designed a servicing plan for future space observatories, inspired by current missions like the James Webb Space Telescope and the European Space Agency's Gaia. The plan aims to address the enormous challenges of implementing serviceability in modern space telescopes, including distance and delicate structures.
The university will develop sensors to predict turbulent air flows using machine learning concepts inspired by insect wings. Meanwhile, Ignacio Jurado will study the role of loser consent in democratic stability across twenty democracies.
The In-Space Physical AI Workshop, held at Rice University's Ion District, brought together top scientists and experts to explore AI applications in space. Key findings included the potential of AI to streamline spacecraft navigation and crew health management.
AnalySwift will develop a composite heater layer for trusses and other infrastructure, enabling the reconfiguration of structural elements in space. The company's software tool will simulate multiphysics modeling and analysis of thermoplastics.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have confirmed a key principle governing heat flow in thin metal films, paving the way for advancements in technology and more efficient devices. The study validated Matthiessen's rule in ultra-thin copper films, providing a blueprint to mitigate thermal bottlenecks.
A University of Virginia-led research team has developed new protective coatings that allow turbine engines to run at higher temperatures before components begin to fail. The coatings were created using rare earth oxides and have shown improved performance without complex multi-layer coatings.
A Caltech-led team has developed a control strategy called FALCON that uses reinforcement learning to adaptively learn how turbulent wind can change over time, allowing UAVs to predict and respond to extreme turbulence in real-time. The strategy has been tested in a challenging test setup and shows promising results.
Researchers have developed functional interlocking metasurfaces that offer more structural strength and stability than traditional techniques like bolts and adhesives. These metasurfaces can selectively disengage and re-engage on demand while maintaining consistent joint strength.
Engineers at RMIT University have designed a self-locking tubular structural system inspired by curved-crease origami that can be packed flat for easier transport. The system transforms into strong building materials, suitable for large-scale use, with capabilities to support heavy loads.
Researchers use high-energy synchrotron X-ray to study spatter dynamics during LPBF, revealing links between vapour depression shape and spatter interactions. The study proposes strategies to minimize defects, improving the surface quality of LPBF-manufactured parts.
The WVU team, led by Yu Gu, is testing Loopy's ability to 'co-design' itself and learn to mark contaminated areas. Inspired by natural phenomena like ant swarms and tree roots, Loopy changes form in response to its environment.
Researchers studied kestrels' hovering flight behavior, revealing insights that could improve drone stability in turbulent conditions. The study found that birds use changes in wing surface area to achieve stable flight, a method that could be applied to morphing wings in drones.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a way to transform a single plastic structure into over 1,000 configurations using three active motors. The findings could pave the way for adaptable robotic systems that can take on multiple functions and carry loads.
A team of scientists and engineers designed an electrolyte that maintains high power delivery during charging and discharging cycles. This innovation addresses the key challenge of low power delivery at landing stages in electric aircraft, where batteries are not fully charged.
Researchers at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed an innovative robotic rehabilitation system called SPINDLE to enhance the strength and dexterity of individuals with tremors. The study revealed significant benefits, including improved motor control, coordination, and neuroplasticity.
Researchers discovered that twisting carbon nanotube bundles creates long, curved disclination lines, decreasing their mechanical strength. The study sheds light on the correlation between microscopic internal changes and material properties, paving the way for potential solutions to realize high-performance CNT yarns.
Researchers investigate the effects of space travel on astronauts' eye health, specifically fluid shift and its relation to Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). They examine potential countermeasures, such as lower body negative pressure, to combat microgravity-induced changes in ocular perfusion pressure.
A multidisciplinary research team has developed a predictive tool for designing complex metal alloys that can withstand extreme temperatures. By analyzing the degradation of high-entropy alloys, the team discovered universal rules that can predict oxidation behavior in these alloys.
Six UTA faculty members have received prestigious CAREER grants from the National Science Foundation for their innovative research. The total award amount is $3.23 million.