The USMP-4 experiment has provided new data on metallic dendrite growth, revealing a closer correspondence between microgravity and theory. The findings are being used to improve computer casting models, reducing the design process from weeks to days.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created a method that purposefully unbalances reentry vehicles to steer them closer to targets, improving accuracy. The approach also enables the reorientation of satellites in space without changing their shape or requiring fuel.
Researchers identified two critical periods of high error rates: before dawn and mid-afternoon. By understanding these patterns, workplaces can design jobs that exploit human strengths while protecting against attentional lapses caused by sleep deprivation.
The new method allows engineers to visualize how changes in their designs will affect design requirements. Graph morphing enables designers to see the trade-offs between different design variables, making it easier to understand relationships between subsystems.
The University of Cincinnati engineers have created a unique high-performance concrete (HPC) mix that significantly strengthens conventional concrete. Tests show the HPC can last up to 80 years without major maintenance due to its denser material and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.
ATMs are increasingly used due to their convenience, but users face difficulties such as machine malfunctions, poor visibility, and slow operation. Design changes and training can address these issues, incorporating technologies like touch screens, voice guidance, and Braille indicators.
The study recommends that foldaway powered wheelchairs have a maximum weight of 14.19kg to ensure safe handling and portability. This is below the current average weight of commercially available wheelchairs, allowing for more accessible designs that cater to users with limited exercise endurance.