Articles tagged with Mechanical Engineering
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
The UMass Amherst team has made a significant breakthrough in creating ultrathin flexible materials that can self-organize and respond immediately to mechanical force. By modifying the curvature and tension of a membrane, researchers were able to control the positions of tiny solid plates within the membrane.
Isaac Elishakoff, a distinguished research professor at FAU, has received the coveted Blaise Pascal Medal for his outstanding contributions to science and technology. The award recognizes his pioneering work in various areas of applied mechanics research and education.
Researchers create liquid-lubricant surface that encourages tiny water droplets to move spontaneously into larger droplets, enhancing water harvesting. The 'coarsening droplet phenomenon' facilitates rapid collection of water droplets, clearing surfaces for new condensation.
Researchers have developed a way to harvest energy from radio waves to power wearable devices, offering a sustainable and continuous energy source. The system consists of stretchable metal antennas that convert ambient radio waves into electricity, which can be used to power health-monitoring sensors.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers has developed a new class of material with the potential to keep chips cool as they shrink in size, helping to meet the requirements of miniaturizing transistors on dense chips. The material has both low electrical conductivity and high heat transfer capability.
Researchers at Florida State University developed a method to automatically infer parameters used in quantum Boltzmann machines, which can be applied to train artificial neural networks for tasks like image recognition and drug discovery.
Researchers created a quadruple fusion optical and ultrasound imaging system, integrating four modalities: ultrasound, photoacoustic, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescence imaging. The system uses a transparent ultrasound transducer to produce high-quality images without limitations.
Engineers developed a new class of mechanical metamaterials that delocalize deformations to prevent failure. The materials feature a 25-fold enhancement in deformability and an orders-of-magnitude increase in energy absorption.
Researchers at the University of Trento have discovered that dandelion clocks can trap air when submerged in water, leading to the development of new materials that could be used in underwater operations. The discovery was made by students and professors who were inspired by a observation made by a high school student.
A RUDN University professor has developed a method to calculate the permeability of bone implants by biological fluids. The study found that both porosity and pore size affect material permeability, with higher porosity leading to increased permeability.
Researchers at UC San Diego created a four-legged robot that doesn't need electronics, using pressurized air for controls and locomotion. The robot mimics mammalian reflexes and can navigate uneven surfaces with the help of pneumatic circuits.
A new tool using machine learning predictive modeling has been developed to predict the success of extubating ICU patients on intensive mechanical ventilation. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 patients and showed a significant reduction in reintubation rate from 9% to 1%.
Researchers at UT Austin will develop methods to validate the cost and scalability of autonomous cargo operations, leveraging machine learning and computational engineering. The team aims to address public concerns about noise pollution, safety, and emissions through mathematical models and terrain-based surface design.
A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a switchable display device using nanostructures that can encrypt full-color images depending on the polarization of light. The device boasts high resolution (approximately 40,000 dpi) and wide viewing angle while being thin.
Researchers at the University of Illinois used artificial materials with defects to study topological features and demonstrate a practical approach for exploring unconventional materials. They created a method for trapping fractional charges on disclination defects, which signals the presence of certain kinds of topology.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that clicking beetles use a unique hinge-like tool in their thorax to generate extreme accelerations, reaching 300 times the Earth's gravitational acceleration. The snap-through unbending motion enables the beetle to launch itself into the air and move quickly between locations.
Researchers studied the forces behind click beetles' signature clicking maneuver, discovering that they utilize snap-buckling and elastic recoil to release energy. The study provides insights into extreme motion, energy storage, and release in small animals like trap-jaw ants and mantis shrimps.
Dr. Guihua Yu, a materials scientist at the University of Texas, has developed new multifunctional polymeric nanostructures with unique physical properties that improve efficiency and function. His research focuses on organic nanomaterials and understanding structures down to their smallest scale.
A Columbia University engineering team has created a robot that can visually predict its partner robot's future actions and goals, showcasing a primitive form of empathy. The 'Robot Theory of Mind' technology could enable robots to better interact with humans and other robots, leading to more intuitive social communication.
A UCF engineering and biology team tested how well staghorn coral skeletons withstand natural forces and human impacts, discovering a unique safety feature: pores that relieve stress and prevent catastrophic failure. The findings will inform efforts to transplant nursery-reared coral into the wild and support future restoration efforts.
Researchers at UMD developed a morphing nozzle to control fiber orientation during composite additive manufacturing, enabling the creation of materials with on-demand properties. This innovation could lead to new biomedical and defense applications for 3D printed fiber-filled composites.
Researchers found that fibrous proteins form a solid layer on water's surface, interfering with fluid property measurements. This finding has the potential to improve bioprinting results by identifying optimal protein solution concentrations and operating parameters.
A new center at Clemson University will support research on autonomy-enabled ground vehicles, digital engineering, and virtual prototyping. The project aims to reduce timelines for innovation in the autonomous space and fuel next-wave mobility technologies.
The project, funded by NASA's University Leadership Initiative, will create a new paradigm in sensing for hypersonic vehicles. Researchers will use scientific machine learning methods to analyze aerodynamic changes during flight tests and infer where force is being applied.
UTA's David Hunn was selected as a National Academy of Inventors (NAI) fellow for his groundbreaking research in critical thinking and soldier survivability. He credits UTA with teaching him the importance of these skills, which he has applied throughout his distinguished career.
A team led by FSU researcher Kourosh Shoele is working to improve face mask design using flow physics, mechanics, and facial topology data. They hope to develop computational tools that standardize guidelines for face mask design, enabling more effective masks for a broader range of users.
Columbia researchers have created graphene plasmon polaritons without an external gate or chemical dopants, using static charge between 2D atomic layers. The discovery has broad applications in nanotechnology, including biosensing and solar energy.
A team of researchers at MIT and IIT developed a solar-powered system to generate pressurized steam for autoclaving medical tools. The system uses optically transparent aerogel to trap heat and can maintain safe sterilization conditions without electricity or fuel.
Researchers at Arizona State University developed curved origami structures that can adjust stiffness based on function, providing a new range of flexibility in robots. This technology enables robots to perform various movements by adjusting the creases used, and has implications for designing mechanical metamaterials.
A computer model developed by a RUDN University professor shows that low speeds on bumpy roads can cause significant vehicle body damage. The study found that spot welded joints are particularly prone to failure at lower speeds, affecting the vehicle's crashworthiness and service life.
Balachandran's data-driven approach predicts which alloys will perform well in extreme environments, narrowing the search for high-performance materials. His work combines artificial intelligence with quantum mechanics to make the search more productive and cost-effective.
A multidisciplinary team has demonstrated the ability to reproduce the nanostructures that help cicada wings repel water, using a simplified version of nanoimprinting lithography and commercial nail polish. The new technique produces replicas with an average of 94.4% pillar height and 106% of the original wing's pillar diameter.
Researchers have discovered how snakes can detect prey with uncanny accuracy in total darkness by converting infrared radiation into electrical signals. The cells inside the pit organ membrane are found to function as a pyroelectric material, drawing upon the electrical voltage in most cells.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a gel-based 3D bioprinting method that can create complex shapes and tissues with precise cell placement. The yield stress gel allows for the self-healing of the gel structure, enabling the creation of free-form, complex shapes.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) team has made a breakthrough in developing miniaturized organic semiconductors for flexible electronics. The new device demonstrates a record low contact resistance, enabling significant power savings and reduced heat generation.
A research team created dual-mode sensors that capture texture and force, enabling precise measurement of movement magnitude, load, rate, duration, and direction. These sensors could aid people with severe injuries and contribute to advanced robotics.
Researchers found that many household fabrics are effective at blocking droplets, including those released by speaking and sneezing. The study used a medical mask as a benchmark and tested 11 common fabrics, finding that some even outperform medical masks in terms of breathability.
Researchers at Duke University demonstrate prototypes for acoustic tweezers that use sound waves to manipulate bioparticles in Petri dishes. The technology has the potential to bridge the gap between academia and industry, enabling a wider range of laboratories to adopt it.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University found that face shields block initial droplet motion but allow them to disperse widely. Masks with exhalation valves also have limited effectiveness due to unfiltered air passage.
The method can be used in a portable, tabletop device to rapidly identify known and emerging opioid fentanyl substances, aiding in the safety of law enforcement and military personnel. The AI algorithm had a 92.5 percent accuracy rate for correctly identifying molecules related to fentanyl.
A team of engineers has developed a low-power collision detector inspired by locusts' ability to avoid collisions. The device mimics the locust's response to incoming objects, responding in two seconds and using minimal energy.
Researchers discovered that hadrosaurs and other dinosaurs have a unique trabecular bone structure capable of supporting large weights, different from mammals and birds. This adaptation allowed them to carry massive loads without excessive skeletal weight.
The Penn State-led university research alliance aims to develop high-resolution radiation detectors capable of identifying dirty bombs or concealed radiation materials. The team plans to design low-cost, high-efficiency room-temperature detectors that would eliminate the need for extreme temperatures to control detecting materials.
Swimming microparticles have the potential to improve coolant performance by accelerating heat transfer from hot surfaces. This innovative technology could lead to faster, smaller devices with reduced energy consumption, benefiting industries such as electronics, automotive, and renewable energy.
Yan Li received the ASME ORR Early Career Award for her groundbreaking work on predicting fracture toughness in ceramic composites and polycrystalline metals. Her research aims to advance design of fracture-resistant materials and microstructures.
Researchers used computational models to study the effects of thinner biological tissues on transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The findings indicate that thinner tissues can lead to high levels of 'flutter energy', causing blood damage and accelerating leaflet deterioration.
A newly discovered CoO-TiO2 compound effectively stops listeria monocytogenes reproduction in both light and dark conditions, offering a potential solution for controlling bacterial contamination in food products.
Researchers created origami-built metamaterials that retain shape recoverability, directional mechanical properties, and reversible auxeticity. This breakthrough enables multifunctional applications in soft robotics and medical devices.
According to the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, rocks on Earth are, on average, cube-shaped due to fragmentation processes. The researchers' findings suggest that this shape is statistically average and applies not only to Earth but also around the solar system.
A team of bioengineers and clinical experts from Brigham and Women's Hospital and MIT have developed a new, sustainable solution for health care workers to provide protection during the pandemic. The iMASC system is made from sterilizable materials and can fit faces of different sizes and shapes.
Graphene sensors printed with aerosol jet technology can detect histamine in tuna broth down to 3.41 parts per million, exceeding US FDA guidelines for food safety. The technology also has potential applications in environmental toxin detection, wearable health monitoring, and disease diagnostics.
A team of researchers used X-ray measurements to study the behavior of waves in granular materials. The findings provide a better understanding of how particle arrangements and forces affect wave propagation. This knowledge is crucial for detecting earthquakes, locating oil and gas reservoirs, and designing acoustic insulation.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a groundbreaking 3D printing technique that prints electronic sensors directly on organs expanding and contracting. This technology could aid in diagnosing and monitoring patients with COVID-19 by tracking lung movements.
The project aims to develop a computationally efficient model of viral spread to better understand the effectiveness of disease mitigation strategies. Funding from the CDC enabled the development of this model to support H-2A farm worker health and safety.
A method for self-assembling nanostructures with gamma-modified peptide nucleic acid (γPNA) has been developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers. The process enables the formation of complex, all-PNA nanostructures in organic solvent solutions, holding promise for nanofabrication and nanosensing.
A Cornell University team has discovered a way to control electron spin transitions using acoustic waves, eliminating the need for magnetic fields. This breakthrough enables the development of smaller, more power-efficient acoustic sensors for navigation technology and other applications.
Kamesh Subbarao, a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been elected as a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He is recognized for his contributions to robotic controls and navigation of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Scientists at Columbia University developed a new method to analyze cell shapes in fruit fly embryos, revealing that tissues can behave like fluids during rapid changes. By combining experimental studies with theoretical modeling, the team found that anisotropy plays a crucial role in predicting tissue flow and elongation.
A topological pump has been developed to transport mechanical energy even through defective wave-guides and disorder. This innovation could lead to more robust devices that continue to operate despite damage.
Researchers developed an affordable, radiation-free GPS-like system to track flexible surgical robots inside the human body. The system improves localization accuracy, enabling safer and more compliant robot use in constrained environments.