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 research demonstrates a novel device structure that allows for unprecedented control over the angular orientation in twisted-layer devices. The team used graphene/boron-nitride heterostructures to show that the energy gap observed in graphene is tunable and can be turned on or off by changing the orientation between the layers.
Scientists have developed a new class of materials inspired by squid DNA that can control thermal conductivity, which could lead to improved fabrics for athletic wear. The materials' thermal conductivity increases dramatically when wet, allowing them to 'flip' a switch and remove heat from the body.
The Rising Sprawl-Tuned Autonomous Robot (RSTAR) is a highly maneuverable search and rescue robot that can creep, crawl and climb over rough terrain. It uses adjustable wheel legs to adapt to different environments and overcome obstacles.
MIT engineers developed a simple, low-cost passive prosthetic foot that can be tailored to an individual's body weight and size, allowing for a more natural gait. The custom-designed prostheses use a design framework that predicts a user's biomechanical performance based on the mechanical design of the prosthetic foot.
Scientists have engineered a molecular soft cocrystalline structure that exhibits reversible twisting upon heating, elastic bending under mechanical force, rapid reversible bending under UV light, and self-healing properties. This multifunctional quality makes it an attractive candidate for advanced materials in electronics and optics.
A novel actuating material system, nickel hydroxide-oxyhydroxide, has been developed at HKU Engineering that can be triggered by visible light and electricity. This material can exert a force equivalent to 3000 times its own weight, making it suitable for various applications in micro-robotics, human assist devices, and medical devices.
Penn State engineers have developed a new lithium-ion battery that can charge electric vehicle batteries up to 10 times faster than current technology, regardless of temperature. The breakthrough could be a major selling point for customers and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
Researchers have developed a novel cryogenic near-field optical microscope to study graphene plasmons at variable temperatures. They discovered that compact nanolight can travel along the surface of graphene without unwanted scattering, opening up new applications in sensors, imaging, and signal processing.
Researchers at Rutgers University have created a 3D-printed smart gel that can walk underwater, grab objects, and move them. The smart gel resembles human-like muscles and responds to electrical stimulation, making it suitable for various applications including biomedical engineering and soft robotics.
Using cresol, researchers can disperse carbon nanotubes at unprecedentedly high concentrations without additives or harsh chemical reactions. As the concentration increases, the material transitions into a kneadable dough that can be molded and shaped like playdough.
Scientists have developed battery-free 'smart' toys using triboelectric nanogenerators that gather energy from mechanical vibrations. The devices, powered by squeezing or shaking traditional toys, can illuminate LED lights and may pave the way for self-powered medical sensors and wearable electronics.
A new project led by Clemson University's Ethan Kung aims to reduce human and animal testing for cardiovascular devices and surgeries. Kung's hybrid model combines numerical models with experimental ones, enabling more accurate predictions and faster development times.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can discover and optimize thermoelectric materials in a matter of months, rather than years. The new method simplifies computational approaches for electron-phonon scattering, speeding up the process by about 10,000 times and reducing development time.
Scientists have engineered an extremely low loss nanostring that vibrates for minutes with a period of a microsecond, allowing them to 'hear' the sound of photons in a laser beam. The researchers hope to use this technology to detect weak light forces and potentially cool mechanical objects to absolute zero.
Five Columbia engineering professors have received NSF CAREER Awards for their groundbreaking research. Agostino Capponi develops a framework to increase resilience of global financial markets, while Daniel Esposito creates electocatalytic materials for abundant solar fuels.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a transparent test patch that can signal contamination as it happens, using harmless molecules. The patch can be incorporated into food packaging and monitor contents for harmful pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, providing a definitive indication of safety before consumption.
Devin W. Laurence, a University of Oklahoma Mechanical Engineering Senior, won the Grand Prize at the 2018 Research Day at the Capitol with his research on atrioventricular heart valves. The $500 award includes a $4,000 summer research internship and recognizes cutting-edge research in cardiovascular heart valve biomechanics.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that mimics aquatic sensory intelligence, allowing underwater vehicles to detect specific flow patterns. The technology has potential applications in navigation and obstacle avoidance, enabling vehicles to leave behind inconspicuous wakes.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame are developing a renewable energy approach for synthesizing ammonia, which is essential for fertilizers and food production. The new process utilizes plasma in combination with non-noble metal catalysts to generate ammonia at milder conditions than the traditional Haber-Bosch process.
A team of researchers from Utah State University and Belgium discovered the exact angle at which a bent fiber holds the most fluid, found to be 36 degrees. This discovery has multiple industrial applications, including drug manufacturing and fog-collection net development.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have improved the traditional design of fog nets to increase their collection capacity by threefold using a 'fog harp' system featuring vertical wire arrays. This innovative design sheds tiny water droplets faster and more efficiently, increasing overall water yield.
Researchers have developed opto-thermoelectric nanotweezers that can control particles at the nanoscale and analyze them in-situ. This technology has the potential to lead to new discoveries in nanotechnology, individual health monitoring, and biological systems.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to create high-quality imaging lenses quickly using a 3D printer. The customized optical component can be printed in about four hours and has smooth surface quality, paving the way for applications in optics, vision correction, and disease diagnosis.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a mechanically robust conductive coating that maintains performance under stretching, bending, and twisting. The coating, based on two-dimensional metal carbides (MXenes), can be engineered onto various surfaces like cloth, fiber, glass, or plastic.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technology that can switch heat flows 'on' or 'off' using liquid metal droplets. This innovation has the potential to significantly improve system performance and reliability in electronics systems.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's NSF Center for Space, High-performance, and Resilient Computing has developed a radiation-resistant computer capable of high-performance computing in space. The system will be launched on the International Space Station and is nearly three times more powerful than its predecessor.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a durable wood carbon sponge that can withstand repeated compression and extreme mechanical conditions. The sponge has potential applications in energy storage, pollutant treatment, and wearable electronics.
The University of Michigan has developed a new surgical device called the 'arterial everter' that can connect arteries more quickly and easily. The device, which is currently in development and partnership with Baxter, may reduce surgery time by up to an hour and improve patient outcomes.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professor Farhan Gandhi has received the AIAA Faculty Advisor Award for reviving the RPI Student Branch, facilitating seminars, astronaut visits, and providing students with a sense of community. Gandhi's research focuses on rotary-wing aircraft, adaptive cellular structures, and morphing technologies.
Clemson University researcher Suyi Li is investigating how origami can be used to create new materials, including floor pads and building foundations that absorb vibrations in earthquakes. His work could lead to the development of new technologies with a range of applications.
A Virginia Tech student research team has discovered the Melt Mat, a thermally absorptive blanket that increases melting rates by threefold without any effort or energy input. The product can be used on residential driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and athletic fields to save municipalities millions and homeowners from snow shovel duty.
Scientists at Penn State have created materials that can conduct protons, a process used in fuel cells, and are biocompatible. The protein-based proton conductors show promise for developing implantable medical devices without batteries.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a flexible spine-like lithium-ion battery with high energy density, stable voltage, and excellent mechanical properties. The battery's design is inspired by the human spine and provides remarkable flexibility and durability, making it a promising candidate for wearable electronics.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Jonathan Vande Geest at the University of Pittsburgh has received a $673K NIH grant to construct biomimetic, small-diameter vascular grafts that mimic the body's own blood vessels.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new graphene printing technology that produces electronic circuits with low cost, flexibility, and conductivity. The technology uses laser processing to create water-repelling surfaces on graphene flakes, opening up possibilities for self-cleaning wearable electronics and sensors.
The innovative technology splits sunlight into efficient light and repurposes infrared light for water purification, improving agricultural competitiveness and reducing energy costs in greenhouses. Researchers plan to test the material in pilot greenhouse facilities and expand its application to various crops.
Researchers have developed soft, electrically activated devices that mimic the expansion and contraction of natural muscles. These devices can be constructed from low-cost materials, are able to self-sense their movements and self-heal from electrical damage.
UC San Francisco bioengineers develop a method to create complex tissue shapes, such as bowls and coils, by patterning cells on thin layers of extracellular matrix fibers. This approach mimics natural developmental processes and offers new insights into the fundamental biology of tissue assembly.
Researchers developed a wearable robotic system to improve balance and gait in Parkinson's disease patients. After a single training session, both groups showed improved response to perturbations and increased gait stability.
Dereje Agonafer's election as an NAI Fellow marks the highest number of NAI Fellows at any university in Texas. He is a renowned expert in thermal engineering and has developed innovative cooling systems for high-power chip stacking.
Bill Schell, a Montana State University assistant professor, has been recognized as an ASEM Fellow for his contributions to engineering management and leadership. He is one of only 72 members to receive the award since 1988.
Scientists create 3D metamaterials that twist when compressed using computer simulations and laser microprinting. The material can respond in a chiral way, challenging classical solid mechanics, and could have applications in space missions, optics, and prosthetics.
Tingyi Gu, an assistant professor at the University of Delaware, has received a $450,000 grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to develop high-speed and low-power optical interconnects. Her research aims to improve the performance and scalability of devices made with two-dimensional materials.
MIT scientists have explained why a droplet of liquid can 'levitate' on a bath's surface under certain conditions. By maintaining a temperature difference, the air cushion between the droplet and the bath is strengthened, preventing it from sinking and allowing it to levitate.
Scientists from HKU created a novel liquid-repellent surface inspired by springtail cuticles, offering enhanced mechanical stability and low production costs. The breakthrough technology can be applied to various fields, including energy, buildings, and water vehicles.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a new way to conceptualize electronic devices by utilizing atomic-scale interference patterns. This approach, known as moire engineering, enables the creation of single-atom thick wires capable of transmitting electricity rapidly.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed guidelines to understand auxetic materials that become thicker when stretched, applicable for protective sports equipment, body armor and biomedical devices. The new tools aim to democratize auxetic design, making it accessible to engineers from novice to advanced experience levels.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new approach to reduce adhesion in small parts, which is expected to improve next-generation microdevices. The study uses nanomaterials to create rough surfaces that prevent tiny objects from sticking together.
Researchers have developed a self-righting robot inspired by the legless jumping mechanism of click beetles. The beetle's unique hinge-like structure allows it to flip back onto its feet after being knocked over, and the researchers aim to integrate this mechanism into their robot prototypes.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a nano composite smartfoam that measures the impact of hits via electrical signals, collecting data in real time to determine impact severity and location. The technology has shown 90% accuracy in measuring concussion risks, revolutionizing football safety protocols.
Long-Qing Chen, a renowned professor at Penn State, has been awarded the Humboldt Research Award for his significant contributions to materials science and engineering. He plans to establish international collaborations and learn about European cultures through a one-year research project in Germany.
Researchers at the University of Illinois created a crawling robot inspired by origami structures and biological systems, such as Venus Flytrap movement and uni-flagellated bacteria swimming. The robot uses origami building blocks to mimic earthworms' gait and setae design for forward and turning motions.
Researchers at Utah State University have developed a novel design for an inflatable speedboat that utilizes elastic materials to absorb wave energy and reduce the impact on passengers. The study reveals unique differences in water-impact behavior between rigid and elastic bodies.
Researchers at UTA are working on developing algorithms to minimize risks for unmanned aerial systems operating in populated areas. The goal is to increase public acceptance and benefit commercial use of UAS technology, ultimately contributing to safer operation in various risk conditions.
Researchers studied cicada wings to understand their water-repelling ability, discovering that habitat is not a good predictor of superhydrophobicity. The team found that life cycles and species relatedness are better predictors of this extreme water-repelling ability.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have made breakthrough discovery on optimizing dew droplet size to improve efficiency of removing condensation. By fine-tuning surface nanoscopic topography, they found that droplets can be made small enough to jump off surfaces as early as 2 micrometers.
The University of Arizona has received a nearly $2 million award from the Office of Naval Research to study problems of instability and materials failure for aircraft and missiles flying at hypersonic speeds. Researchers will build two additional wind tunnels to explore laminar-turbulent transition, aerothermodynamic heating, and other...
The new robot grows in one direction when material at the front everts, allowing it to move without body movement. It successfully navigated an obstacle course, lifted a 100-kilogram crate, and formed a free-standing structure.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and Stanford University have created a soft robot that can extend its tip and control its growth direction based on external sensors, enabling it to navigate complex environments. The robot has potential applications in endovascular surgery, search and rescue operations, and construction.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a framework that enables autonomous underwater vehicles to navigate strong currents with greater energy efficiency. This improvement allows AUVs to gather data for longer periods, revolutionizing oceanography research.