Research on machines, structures, and mechanical design. Covers metal foam for safer cars, drone flight paths, crumpling mechanics, and materials behavior.
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.
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.
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 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.
Engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a 3D printing method that allows for fine-grain control over rigidity, enabling the creation of complex geometries similar to those found in blood vessels. This technology could lead to personalized treatments for hypertension and vascular diseases.
Jimil Shah, a recent mechanical engineering doctoral graduate, is the recipient of the 2018 ASME Electronic and Photonic Packaging Division Student Engineer of The Year Award. He excelled in research and has shown promise to be a strong contributor in the field of electronic and photonic packaging.
Karen Kasza, a researcher at Columbia Engineering, has won a Packard Fellowship for her work on understanding tissue development and morphology. Her lab aims to use novel approaches to engineer functional tissues for medical applications.
Southern Methodist University professors receive an $849,839 NSF grant to build a multi-dimensional drone communication framework, addressing three-dimensional connectivity issues. The project aims to optimize transmission to intended receivers in various swarm formations, with potential applications in commercial and military sectors.
Researchers are creating artificial structures to mimic natural surfaces for coral larvae to settle on. By understanding the interactions between larvae and materials, they aim to increase reef regeneration rates and combat coral bleaching. The project combines engineering and biological expertise to tackle this critical issue.
A KAIST research team has reported a stretchable pressure insensitive strain sensor by using an all solution-based process. The new electronic skin can distinguish mechanical stimuli analogous to human skin and can be uniformly coated on 3-dimensional surfaces.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a novel technique to switch the mechanical motion of nanomotors using visible light, opening doors to autonomous and intelligent machines. The method enables tunable speed and efficient control of nanomotors for various applications.
A team of researchers developed a multi-joint, personalized soft exosuit that assists users in walking by applying mechanical forces to critical joints. The device was tested in the field and found to reduce energy expenditure by up to 22% compared to walking without assistance.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are developing a system that combines drones with existing ride-sharing vehicles to provide synergetic delivery service. The goal is to reduce delivery costs by solving the complex problem of the 'last mile' of delivery, which accounts for 50% of all delivery costs.
A four-year, $6 million project aims to reduce stalk lodging in corn and sorghum using mathematical modeling and innovative technology. The team plans to breed stronger plants that can withstand various environmental factors, potentially increasing global food production by up to a billion people.
Researchers discovered a predictive biomarker for epilepsy by analyzing the connection between heartbeat irregularities and abnormal brain activity in mice. They found that anomalous heart rate patterns slightly preceded abnormal brain waves, allowing them to predict which mice would develop seizures with 100% accuracy.
A team of Penn State mechanical engineers developed a self-healing membrane that screens out smaller objects while allowing larger ones to pass through. The membrane responds to an object's kinetic energy and can be optimized for various applications, including medical devices and sanitation systems.
Researchers at UVA have invented a material with the ability to switch between insulating and cooling, making it suitable for applications such as smart fabrics and active wear. This technology has potential game-changing applications in various fields, including athletics and energy production.
Researchers at the University of Delaware developed flexible carbon nanotube composite coatings on various fibers, enabling the measurement of a wide range of pressure. The technology has potential applications in smart garments, sports medicine, post-surgical recovery, and assessing movement disorders in pediatric populations.
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.