Articles tagged with Mechanical Engineering
Researchers at UC Davis invent a Stirling engine that can harness the natural warmth of the ground and cold depths of space to generate mechanical power. The device has been shown to produce up to 400 milliwatts of power per square meter, with potential applications in ventilating greenhouses and residential buildings.
The upgraded facility enables testing of hydrogen-natural gas blends, exploring effects on pipeline systems and flow measurement technologies. SwRI aims to demonstrate the process needed to upgrade natural gas infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen, supporting efforts to decarbonize industries.
Researchers from Chung-Ang University have developed a novel AI-based approach for producing high-fidelity and defect-aware ultrasonic images, outperforming traditional techniques. This technology has the potential to revolutionize non-destructive testing in industries such as semiconductors, energy, and automotive.
Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how polyamides adhere to alumina surfaces, finding that adhesion strength depends on polymer chemistry and surface termination. The study offers practical design guidelines for selecting surface treatments and polymer types, enabling the creation of stronger, lighter joints.
The Aerospace Team Graz took first place at the European Rocketry Challenge in Portugal with its ISPIDA hybrid rocket, scoring 938 out of 1000 points. The team's success was attributed to its strong interdisciplinary collaboration and expertise in rocket design and propulsion systems.
A team of researchers has developed an artificial retina model using 3D printing technology, which closely replicates the pathological microenvironment of retinal vein occlusion. The model exhibited responses similar to those observed in clinical cases, validating its potential as a preclinical drug evaluation system.
Researchers at South China University of Technology develop a method to solve unstable anode:electrolyte interfaces using digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing. The resulting batteries retain over 91% capacity after 8,000 cycles and achieve stable cycling over 2,000 hours.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed an optical technique to observe individual particles in a battery charging, enabling the analysis of heterogeneity in composite electrodes. This breakthrough allows for the creation of better batteries by understanding the distribution of charge within the electrode.
Researchers at Hanbat National University have developed a game-changing heat shield technology that provides dual-layer protection for high-temperature alloys. The sequential B-Si coating technology allows these alloys to withstand extremely high temperatures, potentially transforming the aviation industry.
Researchers developed a novel bio-inspired isolator inspired by the seahorse exoskeleton, which converts linear motion into torsional motion to provide excellent low-frequency isolation performance. The structure achieves a minimum resonant frequency of 1.5 Hz and can be adjusted to expand its isolation range.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) will predict F-16 landing gear component lifespan and recommend maintenance improvements under a $9.9 million contract. The seven-year agreement leverages SwRI's aging aircraft expertise in probabilistic analysis, fatigue testing.
Researchers developed a non-destructive testing system using bubble wrap bursts, detecting objects within a 2% error margin without electricity or heavy equipment. The system harnesses the acoustic characteristics of bubble wrap bursts to identify internal obstructions in pipes.
Researchers develop highly tunable spatial heterostructure within pure titanium using mechanical milling and laser powder bed fusion, achieving strength-plasticity synergy and overcoming the strength-plasticity trade-off bottleneck. The resulting harmonic heterostructure endows pure Ti implants with excellent wear resistance.
Computational models now accurately represent very weak shock waves, which are crucial in flows involving shock waves. The final state of a moving shock wave can be classified into three regimes: dissipated, transitional and thinly captured.
Researchers developed a method to trigger magnetic jamming in materials using wireless magnetic fields, enabling reversible and programmable clumping. This technique allows for the creation of structures that can assemble, stiffen, relax, or break apart under magnetic control.
The UT Dallas researchers have developed a technology that enables same-day, 3D-printed dental restorations made of zirconia, the gold-standard material for permanent dental work. This breakthrough could make same-day permanent dental restorations possible with a reduced debinding time from hours to less than 30 minutes.
Researchers at North Carolina State University created a class of robots called metabots that can change shape and adapt to different environments. The devices can execute various actions despite having no motor or being made of a single flat material.
A team of engineers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences designed a proof-of-concept walking robot using only four moving parts connected by rubber bands and powered by one motor. The robot can find its way through mazes, avoid obstacles, and sort objects by mass without electronic control systems.
Researchers developed a soft robotic skin that allows vine robots to navigate convoluted paths and fragile environments. The robot is steered by controlling the pressure inside its body and temperature of the actuators.
Dr. Bueno, a lead engineer at SwRI's Computational Mechanics Section, has been recognized for his work on supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics, turbulence, and renewable energy. He developed patented heat storage systems and advanced optical diagnostic imaging tools to study high-speed flows.
Dr. Chris Thomas recognized for technical excellence and leadership in combustion technologies, including propulsion systems and battery safety. His research has led to significant contributions to the field of blast physics and lithium-ion battery safety.
A polymer 'Chinese lantern' structure can snap into multiple curved shapes, controlled by a magnetic field. Researchers developed a mathematical model to program the shape and energy release, enabling diverse applications such as non-invasive grippers and filter systems.
Researchers developed a new control algorithm that enables powered knee prostheses to mimic natural human motion, reducing tripping risks and strain on users' bodies. The study showed significant improvements in activities of daily living, such as sitting, standing, walking, and climbing stairs.
The University of Texas at Dallas has received a five-year, $500,000 National Science Foundation grant to support AI-powered projects in wind energy research. The grant will fund projects that incorporate artificial intelligence to minimize manufacturing defects and predict turbine component conditions.
MIT engineers have developed a novel palladium membrane that remains stable at high temperatures, enabling more energy-efficient and cheaper production of hydrogen fuel. The new design allows for the separation of hydrogen from gas mixtures at much higher temperatures than conventional membranes.
A new type of parachute made from a plastic sheet cut in a kirigami pattern has been developed by Polytechnique Montréal researchers, with characteristics useful for humanitarian aid deliveries and potentially scalable for larger applications. The parachute quickly stabilizes and follows a strict ballistic descent trajectory.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed fidget-controlled robots that utilize metastability to create soft robotic systems. These robots use bistable domes to perform tasks such as grasping and classifying objects, demonstrating the potential for physical systems to replace electronic components in challenging environments.
The SWiM project aims to develop intelligent and sustainable cooling systems that can reduce energy consumption in large cities by up to 30%. The system will use district heating and cooling technologies, combining expertise from Singapore and Denmark.
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.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a soft but strong metamaterial that can be controlled remotely to rapidly transform its size and shape. The new material is designed for implantable and ingestible medical devices and addresses critical safety concerns such as gastric ulcers and puncture injuries.
Quaise Energy has successfully demonstrated its groundbreaking geothermal drilling technology, achieving record-breaking depths and speeds. The company aims to revolutionize the energy sector by providing a reliable and sustainable source of clean energy.
Researchers will evaluate a patent-pending electrolyzer in simulated partial gravity environments aboard parabolic flights. The technology is designed to produce fuel, oxygen, and other life support compounds on the Moon or Mars for long-term human habitation.
The SAGEST Predictive Simulation Center will develop simulation tools to give scientists confidence in exploring extreme physical conditions. The center, led by UVA's Xinfeng Gao, will use high-fidelity and low-fidelity solvers to balance accuracy and efficiency in predictions.
A new study by Purdue University engineers warns that a nationwide switch to electric homes and vehicles could overwhelm the power supply, leading to increased risk of outages. However, key measures such as home insulation, equipment efficiency, and coordinated device operation can reduce costs by up to 40%.
Researchers at Ohio State University are developing a new nuclear thermal propulsion system, called the centrifugal nuclear thermal rocket (CNTR), which could potentially double an engine's efficiency. The CNTR concept aims to improve rocket performance while minimizing risk and enabling faster travel times to distant destinations.
A new USF study discovers that chameleons and salamanders use the same biological mechanism to fire their tongues at extreme speeds, with potential applications in biomedical devices and space retrieval tools. The researchers hope to expand their studies to examine how animal tongues retract with such speed and precision.
Tayfun Tezduyar's space-time computational flow analysis enables accurate modeling of complex systems, from designing parachutes for astronauts to simulating blood flow through heart valves. The approach provides high-fidelity representations in both space and time, allowing for more realistic solutions.
Professor Paul Motzki is developing ultra-flat, compact, and lightweight cooling units using shape memory alloys and dielectric elastomer actuators. He aims to create climate-friendly and energy-efficient alternative to conventional systems.
The Copeland oil-free centrifugal compressor with Aero-lift bearing technology has been recognized as one of the most significant innovations of 2025 by R&D World Magazine. This frictionless, oil-free compressor delivers improvements in full-load efficiency and is compatible with lower global warming potential refrigerants.
A new study links the size of male proboscis monkeys' noses to their unique vocal characteristics, suggesting a significant impact on individual identity. The findings shed light on the complex interplay between anatomy, acoustics, and social behavior in animals, with potential implications for human communication.
The students' machine can process multiple metals simultaneously, reducing waste and increasing productivity. It features a rotating platform that enables high-speed printing, significantly reducing manufacturing time for cylindrical components by more than two thirds.
Researchers have discovered that soft gels and lotions retain residual stress from the mixing process, affecting their behavior over time. The study reveals that common products like hair gel and shaving cream hold onto these stresses for longer periods than previously assumed.
A flexible skin-mounted haptic interface can replicate diverse motions using a single actuator, providing rich tactile feedback and versatility. The technology aims to assist humans in various applications, including wearable human-machine interfaces and medical operations.
Researchers developed a hybrid kiri-origami structure to overcome the trade-off between flexibility and function in stretchable electronics. The design features a mutual orthogonal cutting line pattern, allowing simultaneous mounting of rigid components and stretching.
Researchers developed novel artificial bone scaffolds with high deformation recovery capabilities, exceeding those of natural bone and conventional metallic scaffolds. These scaffolds allow for flexible adjustments of properties like strength and modulus to meet specific implantation site requirements.
Researchers achieved a significant reduction in aerodynamic drag by optimizing multiple train components, including nose shape and pantograph design. The study found that simultaneously enhancing these components can deliver notable improvements and even certain bogie fairing configurations might offer advantages over traditional designs.
Vasile's research aims to map and model an agent's capabilities, particularly in motion, manipulation, and perception, to reliably predict their behavior. The goal is to use this understanding to plan effectively for large teams of agents.
A team of researchers has developed a way to harness the swimming abilities of moon jellyfish, enabling them to steer the animals toward remote ocean areas. The cyborg jellies have the potential to aid in deep-sea research and provide inspiration for next-gen underwater vehicles with improved energy efficiency.
A wearable robot has been upgraded to provide personalized assistance to ALS and stroke patients. The device uses machine learning and a physics-based model to adapt to an individual user's movements, offering more nuanced help with daily tasks.
Researchers have developed a micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) detection and characterization system for satellites and spacecraft. The system can detect impact details, including particle size and volume, and alert spacecraft of potential hits.
HIT researchers created multi-material, multi-responsive, multi-shape shape memory polymer (SMP) gradient metamaterials with tunable properties. These smart materials can adapt to different tasks without extra tools or infrastructure, enabling applications such as secure information storage and soft robotic systems.
The book provides a roadmap for sustainable and ethical leadership in engineering management, focusing on ESG reporting, CSR integration, and industry-specific insights. It offers practical tools and strategies for professionals to make informed decisions that reduce ecological impact and improve resource efficiency.
Researchers have developed a new approach to relieving arthritic knee pain through gait retraining, which involves adjusting the angle of a person's foot while walking. The study found that participants experienced pain relief equivalent to medication and showed less knee cartilage degradation over a year.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania discover red blood cells contribute to clot contraction, shrinking and stabilizing blood clots. The finding opens door to new strategies for studying and treating clotting disorders, such as excessive bleeding or dangerous clots like those seen in strokes.
Developed by a research team at POSTECH, the robot uses human muscle proteins as inspiration to generate strong force while navigating through tight spaces. The technology has potential applications in various fields, including medical settings, industrial environments, home cleaning, and caregiving robots.
Researchers developed a hybrid approach combining molecular dynamics simulations and Helfrich theory to evaluate bending rigidities of graphene nanosheets with lattice defects. The study reveals insights for designing novel materials with tailored mechanical properties.
Researchers have developed a mechanical adhesive device that can attach to soft surfaces underwater, inspired by the hitchhiking sucker fish. The device uses pressure-based suction and has enhanced adhesion capabilities, making it suitable for delivering drugs in the GI tract or monitoring aquatic environments.
Scientists create a new class of mechanochromic mechanophores that can detect and respond to mechanical stress in polymeric materials through fluorescence. The developed molecule exhibits excellent stress-sensing with high durability, offering a powerful tool for real-time monitoring of mechanical damage.
Dr. Sidney Chocron has been named a Ballistic Science Fellow by the International Ballistics Society due to his significant contributions to ballistics science. He specializes in nonlinear response of materials under high strain rates and has made notable advancements in characterizing terminal ballistics and thermal protection systems.