Articles tagged with Mechanical Engineering
A University of California - Santa Barbara mechanical engineer's simple running hack uses a light resistance band to increase efficiency by approximately 6.4%. The device optimizes the work needed to swing legs, reducing energy required during each impact with the ground and allowing for shorter strides.
Researchers found that different shapes of micropillars affect liquid retention, with triangular pillars showing reduced critical burst volume for high surface-tension liquids. The study aims to develop an evaporative heat exchange device.
The UC3M has developed a completely autonomous electric vehicle to replace combustion vehicles in the Timanfaya National Park. The minibus features level 5 autonomy, allowing it to operate without human control, and advanced AI perception systems for navigation and localization.
Researchers developed Tunabot to better understand fish propulsion, which could lead to faster, more efficient propulsion systems for underwater vehicles. The robot's design was informed by studies of yellowfin tuna and mackerel, and its performance data sets a high standard for the field of fish robotics.
Researchers have developed a brain-inspired, analog neural network that provides probabilistic responses for complex decision-making. The device is more energy efficient and produces less heat than current computing architectures.
Gnashing teeth's secret strength lies in the microarchitecture of brittle materials, where adding small defects can increase glass strength 200 times over. Researchers developed two models to describe fracture propagation and contact mechanics, paving the way for stronger ceramics, biomedical implants, and building materials.
Researchers at Lehigh University have developed a novel approach to determine when patients with tibial fractures can bear weight. The study used low-dose computed tomography scans and finite element analysis software to create 3D mechanical structural models that identified the regions of bone and new bone, or callus.
Dr. Simon Dai's research aims to advance a passive technology that can attract and capture water droplets from fog and moisture in the air, providing a sustainable solution to global water scarcity. The new funding will help create a more durable lubricant for water harvesting.
A smart sink was tested at Stanford University to see if it could help people use less water while still being comfortable. The results showed that participants used up to 26% less water when washing dishes with the automated faucet.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed an algorithm that can monitor factory and warehouse workers' behavior in real-time, providing risk scores and suggestions for improving ergonomics. The app will alert workers to high-risk actions and provide feedback on how to modify their behaviors.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that mixing strong and weak graphene oxide flakes can create stronger paper, improving the material's durability. The finding sheds light on a general problem in materials engineering and has implications for other two-dimensional materials.
A novel robotic neck brace has been developed to assist ALS patients in holding their heads and supporting range of motion. The device incorporates sensors and actuators to restore approximately 70% of the active range of motion, allowing for improved eye contact and computer control.
The study, published in eLife, reveals that birds adapt their grip by wrapping their toes and curling their claws to stick the landing. Researchers aim to apply this knowledge to develop more nimble flying robots with bimodal capabilities.
A new insect-sized robot created by UC Berkeley researchers can scurry across the floor at nearly the speed of a cockroach and withstand the weight of an average human. The robot's design allows it to 'leapfrog' forward using electric vibrations, enabling it to navigate through tight spaces.
Researchers developed a simulator mimicking human torso behavior to test new back brace designs without human testing. The rig allows for optimized constraint of specific motions while enabling other movements, potentially reducing discomfort and improving spine stability.
Chunlei Liang and Volker J. Sorger are awarded PECASE for their outstanding research in fluid dynamics and photonic integrated devices. Their work has the potential to revolutionize software that predicts space weather and develop faster information processing systems.
Kristin Myers, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University, has been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE) for her research on pre-term birth. Her work focuses on determining the biomechanical mechanisms that cause premature cervical remodeling and softening.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology used X-ray computed tomography to visualize cracks forming near material interfaces in solid-state batteries. The study found that fractures, not chemical reactions, are the primary cause of degradation, leading to a possible solution for improving energy storage devices.
A new wearable technology made from stretchy material can accurately monitor heart health for days, surpassing existing electrocardiograph machines. The device measures cardiac health in two ways, taking electrocardiograph and seismocardiograph readings simultaneously.
Virginia Tech researchers uncovered how soap films and bubbles freeze, revealing a previously unknown phenomenon called Marangoni Flow. The study found that temperature gradients cause the flow of ice crystals within the bubble, hastening its complete freezing.
Researcher's groundbreaking contributions to structural health monitoring and life-cycle assessment have transformed policies and practices in building infrastructure components. His work has saved time, money, and likely lives, while advancing sustainable development and resilience.
Researchers from Lehigh University used materials informatics to predict a class of high-entropy alloys with superior mechanical properties. The new method, combined with experimental tools like electron microscopy, revealed alloys with hardness values exceeding initial expectations by a factor of 2.
Lehigh University engineers Sydney Yang, Michelle Kent, Shira Morosohk, and Daniella Fodera have been awarded the National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship. The award recognizes their research potential in STEM fields and provides financial stability during graduate studies.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a more stable prosthetic leg that can handle rough terrain, reducing the risk of falls. The new design uses a tripod foot with adjustable pressure distribution to improve mobility and overall quality of life for individuals with lower limb amputations.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a DURIP grant to purchase equipment that can determine the severity of brain injuries, even those that are not immediately apparent. The new equipment will be used to expand associate professor Ashfaq Adnan's research in damage detection for blast-related traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, successfully replicated superfog formation in a laboratory setting, revealing crucial factors such as low water content, small particle size, and high fuel moisture content. While they can now understand how superfog forms, predicting its occurrence remains uncertain due to comple...
Researchers at Columbia Engineering developed a two-step, ultra-clean nanofabrication process that separates the pristine device from dirty fabrication processes. This method yields high-performance devices with improved stability and scalability for real-world engineering problems.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) leaders Adam L. Hamilton and Alan Stern will be inducted into the University of Texas at Austin's Academy of Distinguished Alumni. Dr. Norm Abramson, a retired SwRI Executive Vice President, also received recognition for his outstanding achievements.
Researchers at Utah State University have discovered a new mode of water surface skipping termed 'water walking', which involves elastic spheres gaining significant speed to maintain a deformed shape. The team's findings provide new insights into water impact physics and lay the foundation for future design of water-walking drones.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have used biomechanical engineering techniques to understand the mechanical forces that influence blood clotting. Their findings take them one step closer to developing new anti-thrombotic drugs without serious side effects.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a 3D-printed transparent skull implant that allows for real-time brain activity monitoring. The device, called See-Shell, provides unprecedented control and precision in studying brain function, enabling new insights into human brain conditions.
Researchers have developed a processing technique to create transparent polythene films stronger than aluminum, yet lighter in weight. These films possess high strength and resilience, approaching that of metals, while maintaining transparency.
A team of researchers found that cilia's most efficient beating occurs at a natural length of 10-12 microns, but surprisingly lacks synchronization. The study provides insight into human cilia and defects leading to diseases such as primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a lightweight, low-profile, and inexpensive ankle exoskeleton that can be worn under clothes without restricting motion. The device features an unpowered friction clutch mechanism and a soft shank sleeve, weighing just over one pound and costing less than $100 to fabricate.
A team of researchers from Columbia University and MIT have developed a novel robotic system comprising billions of loosely coupled particles that can move collectively towards a light source. The particle robot's decentralized architecture allows it to maintain functionality even with individual component failures, opening up possibil...
Researchers developed a method to design metamaterial structures with optimum thermal radiation performance, using machine learning and electromagnetic calculations. The new nanostructure demonstrated an exceptionally narrow thermal emission spectral band, exceeding conventional limits.
A study by Cornell University found that when robots excel in competitions, people perceive themselves as less capable and less likable. The research suggests optimizing teams of humans and robots to minimize negative effects on human behavior and reactions.
Boston University researchers created an open, ringlike structure that perfectly cancels out sounds while maintaining airflow, silencing nearly all noise from a loudspeaker. The acoustic metamaterial can be customized to fit various environments, including drones, fans, and MRI machines.
The mini cheetah robot's lightweight, high-power design enables it to perform a 360-degree backflip and walk on uneven terrain. The robot's modular design allows for easy repair and replacement of damaged parts.
Researchers at Lehigh University have developed the hardest, thinnest coatings yet discovered using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. These wear-resistant nitride films have been shown to outperform commercial coatings by orders of magnitude, offering a potential solution for industries experiencing losses due to friction and wear.
Researchers have developed a motion-powered, fireproof sensor that can track the movements of firefighters and others in high-risk environments. The sensor generates power through triboelectric charging and has been successfully tested at temperatures up to 300C.
Researchers are using genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to produce biodiesel, plastics and pharmaceuticals. This method could expand biodiesel production by utilizing surplus biomass from food crops.
Researchers are working on developing faster-charging batteries for electric vehicles by understanding how lithium ions distribute within the electrode. They used X-rays to create a micron-scale movie of lithium distribution, revealing inhomogeneous movement similar to people spreading out in a room.
A team led by Illinois professor Aimy Wissa studied the unique clicking mechanism of click beetles to inspire more agile robots. They discovered how the insect's hinge-like structure enables a quick release mechanism, which is being incorporated into robot prototypes.
Steve WaiChing Sun, a civil engineering professor at Columbia University, has won a National Science Foundation CAREER award to develop an augmented intelligence approach for predicting material failures. His tool uses deep reinforcement learning to generate accurate predictions and improve complex analyses and designs for infrastructure.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a new class of mechanical devices called 'developable mechanisms' that can transform into useful functions without taking up space. These devices can be integrated into surfaces to create compact machines with complex tasks.
Researchers at Binghamton University have found that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can use their antennae to detect sounds from surprisingly far away, with some frequencies important for human speech.
Researchers create new air-cooled condenser with enhanced metal fins for improved heat transfer and reduced cooling temperature. The system also addresses peak electricity demand by precooling circulated air using a heat sink.
Columbia engineers create a robot that learns what it is from scratch with zero prior knowledge of physics or motor dynamics. The robot uses deep learning to create a self-model, allowing it to adapt and learn from its own experiences.
Mechanical engineers at Keio University developed a fluid dynamics simulation to study the impact of water droplets against surfaces, enabling efficient and damage-free cleaning. The research provides insights into the trade-off between particle removal efficiency and surface damage.
Researchers from the University of Illinois discovered that the hagfish produces slime to clog predators' gills, increasing its volume by up to 10,000 times. The team found that fluid flow enables this process, allowing the slime to unravel and expand in a matter of milliseconds.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a method to 3D print piezoelectric materials that can be custom-designed to convert movement, impact, and stress into electrical energy. The new printing technique enables the creation of smart materials with high sensitivities, flexibility, and programmable properties.
Researchers use human T cells to create unbreakable encryption keys, solving a problem in mathematical algorithms that relies on one-way functions. The approach is designed to protect against increasingly powerful computers and quantum computing.
UTA faculty Teik C. Lim and L.K. Mestha have been elected as National Academy of Inventors fellows for their prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions. Their work has made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and society.
Biofilm researchers at Princeton University have found a new method for removing nasty biofilms, which can cause medical infections and clog equipment. The technique, called capillary peeling, uses water to drive a wedge between the biofilm and surface, allowing for complete removal.
Ruiwen Zhang, a University of Houston College of Pharmacy scientist, has been recognized as a leader in cancer prevention and treatment drug discovery and development. He has made major contributions to the discovery of cancer pharmacogenetic/pharmacogenomic syndrome and developed novel gene silencing technologies.
Researchers developed a three-dimensional polymer sponge that promotes ion transfer while inhibiting dendritic growth in lithium metal batteries, potentially increasing cycle life and safety. The technology could enable more powerful and stable metal battery technologies for everyday use.
A team of scientists and engineers at the University of Illinois has developed a new technique for creating nanoscale-size electromechanical devices by using graphene as an etch stop. This allows for precise patterning of two-dimensional structures, enabling the creation of complex devices with improved performance.
The Dr. Bob Woods Distinguished Chair promotes research, innovation, and best practices in automotive engineering and design. UTA's Formula SAE team has won six championships under Woods' leadership for over 30 years.
Researchers have successfully scaled up a water-cooling system that can provide continuous day-and-night radiative cooling for structures. The low-cost hybrid organic-inorganic metamaterial can be scaled into an array small enough to fit on most rooftops and act as a natural air conditioner with minimal electricity consumption.