Articles tagged with Mechanical Engineering
Researchers use acoustic emissions techniques to explore corn stalk growth and breakage, discovering that plant growth involves millions of tiny breakage events. This finding may lead to improved crop yields by strengthening plant structures.
The spherical mechanical seal's performance is influenced by structure size, including radius, stator-ring distance, and diameter. Increasing the spherical radius reduces contact area but raises temperature and pressure.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a steel-brass battery that can store energy comparable to lead-acid batteries and charge/dischcharge at rates comparable to ultra-fast charging supercapacitors. The secret lies in anodization, a common chemical treatment used to give aluminum a durable finish.
A team of researchers from Utah State University, Dartmouth College and Brigham Young University used high-speed imaging and particle image velocimetry to describe the phenomenon. They found that buoyant spheres ascending through a fluid don't always behave as expected, with speed and vortex structures affecting their trajectory.
A team of researchers at Colorado State University has developed a superomniphobic tape that can be applied to any surface, giving it liquid-repelling properties. The tape's potential impact is extraordinary, with applications in various civilian, commercial, and military fields.
The University of Pennsylvania has been awarded a $24 million grant to establish a Science and Technology Center focused on engineering mechanobiology. This research will provide insights into embryonic development, stem-cell differentiation, cancer metastasis, and other clinically relevant topics.
The Pitt team has received a $2.5 million contract from the US Department of Defense to further develop a retrievable stent for treating life-threatening hemorrhages in servicemen and civilian gunshot victims. The device can be rapidly placed by non-vascular physicians with minimal training, simplifying treatment in emergency situations.
A research team from Washington University has been awarded a $1.25 million grant to study the movement and mechanics of flagella in a green alga called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which is nearly identical to human cilia. The goal is to understand how these tiny organelles propel movements and potentially develop new discoveries in mec...
Bacteria can form biofilms that break and float away, spreading infection. Researchers are studying the conditions under which these biofilms break down.
Researchers at Iowa State University have successfully treated inkjet-printed graphene with lasers, improving its electrical conductivity without damaging fragile printing surfaces. The breakthrough technology enables the creation of low-cost and disposable graphene-based electrochemical electrodes for various applications.
A team of University of Toronto scientists has discovered a way to convert gaseous carbon dioxide into energy-rich fuel in a carbon-neutral cycle. Silicon nanocrystals meet the criteria for a highly active and selective catalyst, making them an efficient material for harvesting sunlight and converting CO2 into fuel.
Researchers found that rats rely heavily on their whiskers to locate airflow sources, even when other sensory cues are available. The discovery could lead to the development of artificial flow sensors for robots.
Engineers from the University of Bristol have developed a new shape-changing metamaterial using Kirigami, a class of material engineered to produce unusual properties. The Kirigami metamaterial can seamlessly change shape, exhibits large variations in mechanical performance with small geometry changes.
Researchers at Iowa State University have created a quick-destructing battery that can power devices for up to 15 minutes before self-destruction. The battery's unique polymer casing breaks apart in water, dissolving or dissipating the components within 30 minutes.
Researchers at UCR developed a silicon-tin nanocomposite anode that triples charge capacity and extends battery life. The new material enables longer-lasting rechargeable batteries with improved performance and scalability.
Diane Wagner's study aims to strengthen damaged cartilage using photo-initiated crosslinking, targeting only injured areas without affecting healthy tissue. The goal is a new, non-invasive treatment for post-traumatic osteoarthritis, which affects over 5 million people in the US.
A research team led by Likun Zhu at Indiana University aims to overcome challenges with alloy-type anode materials that swell and fracture during charging and discharging. By adding selenium to these materials, they hope to develop commercially affordable high-performance anodes for better batteries.
The study uses data from cameras and smartpens to track students' actions while watching instructional videos. Researchers identified four archetypes of problem-solving methods, which could help coaches identify successful approaches and provide targeted support.
A researcher at the University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $441,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a predictive model for chronic conditions. The goal is to identify patients at risk and alert doctors early, preventing further ailments before diagnosis.
Shuchin Aeron, a Tufts University assistant professor, has received a five-year NSF CAREER award to develop new algebraic models and algorithms for multidimensional data science. His research aims to reinvigorate interest among researchers in using tools from linear and multilinear algebra.
A new concept in liquid battery design uses a passive, gravity-fed arrangement to eliminate the need for complex plumbing systems, reducing cost and increasing simplicity. The system can be adjusted by changing the angle of the device, allowing for faster or slower energy production.
The University of Washington team observed and analyzed collective interparticle vibrations in two-dimensional microscale granular crystals for the first time. This understanding allows for designing materials with unique properties, such as customizable impact energy absorption.
University of Illinois researchers have created a simple and scalable graphene patterning technique using stencil masks fabricated via a laser cutter. This approach enables rapid design iterations and pattern replications, promoting cleaner quality graphene patterns without polymeric transfer layers or organic solvents.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have successfully fabricated nanoscrolls made from graphene oxide flakes. The scrolls exhibit mechanical properties similar to graphene and can be tailored to trap specific molecules and pollutants.
A recent study found that a droplet hitting a thin fiber will be captured at low speeds, pass through at intermediate speeds, and split at high speeds. The researchers' model has significant implications for optimizing water collection systems and fiber-coating technologies.
A new approach to modifying 2D materials has led to an enhancement in the light absorption and stretchability of atomically thin materials. By engineering the two-dimensional material into three-dimensional crumpled structures, researchers achieved more than an order-of-magnitude enhancement in photoresponsivity.
A new theory predicts the mechanical response of shells, from small pharmaceutical capsules to large airplane bodies. By controlling a few key variables, engineers can create uniformly smooth shells with precisely tailored thickness, with applications far beyond the chocolate shop.
A Kansas State University engineer has developed a paperlike battery electrode made from glass-ceramic that improves the performance of tools for space exploration and unmanned aerial vehicles. The electrode has high cycling efficiency and can function at low temperatures, making it suitable for long-duration missions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a computer model to analyze wind conditions on the Masters' notorious 12th hole, revealing that tall tree canopies significantly impact accuracy. The system can predict wind direction and speed's effect on golf shots, aiding golfers in choosing clubs and aiming strategies.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed origami-inspired engineering techniques to create ultra-small surgical instruments, allowing for minimally invasive procedures. The technology aims to reduce the size of incisions necessary for surgery, potentially enabling self-healing wounds without sutures.
Ankur Jain, an assistant professor at UTA, has received a five-year, $500,000 NSF CAREER grant to develop a fundamental understanding of thermal transport in Li-ion batteries. His goal is to improve the safety and efficiency of these batteries for widespread applications.
Researchers at Northwestern University have designed a way to prevent protein unfolding under mechanical stress, which causes devastating neurodegenerative diseases. By attaching polymers to proteins, they can stabilize their shape and prevent them from unfolding even when subjected to large forces.
Using video footage and geodesic Lagrangian coherent structures theory, researchers found unsteady material transport barriers surrounding Jupiter's Great Red Spot and jet streams. This analysis enhances knowledge of the planet's atmosphere, with potential applications in oceanography, meteorology, and environmental monitoring.
Vittoria Flamini has created computer models to determine if a percutaneous pulmonary valve will fit in a child's heart before surgery. The simulation takes at least a day and involves manipulating images of the patient's heart sent by medical teams.
Researchers at Lehigh University and City University of Hong Kong have discovered a way to control liquid droplet movement on extremely hot surfaces, utilizing microscale topographical features. This breakthrough could improve technologies such as power plant reactors and water management systems by reducing cooling time.
Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a simplified approach to fabricating flat, ultra-thin optics using plasmon-assisted etching. This technique enables simple etching without hazardous chemical agents, greatly simplifying design iteration steps and reducing workload in cleanrooms.
Diana Shu-Lian Chow, a University of Houston professor, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in recognition of her work on developing new drug formulations. Her work has led to significant improvements in the safety and efficacy of stem cell transplants for leukemia patients.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a unique lie-detecting software using real court case data, achieving up to 75% accuracy in identifying deceivers. The system analyzes both speech patterns and body language, uncovering common behaviors such as eye contact, hand gestures, and vocal fill.
Engineers completed two deployments for the James Webb Space Telescope's wings, a crucial step in assembling the telescope's carbon fiber framework. The telescope will hold 18 mirrors and fold up to fit inside a launch vehicle.
By 'crumpling' hybrid nanostructures, researchers increased surface area and improved SERS detection sensitivity. The new design enables enhanced nanoplasmonic sensing applications for environmental analysis, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical research.
Jesse Little's three-year grant aims to develop guidelines for designing aircraft that can withstand structural and heat stresses of sustained supersonic flight. The study focuses on understanding shock waves interacting with near-surface air flows in three dimensions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University studied spider crickets' aerial acrobatics, discovering that their limbs stabilize posture during jumps. This knowledge can be applied to designing tiny robots with more efficient locomotion, such as jumping robots for rugged terrain.
A new method of predicting the path of weaponized chemical agents has been developed by UTSA associate professor Kiran Bhaganagar, with a focus on tracking environmental conditions that affect the direction and movement of released chemical agents. The project aims to enable faster evacuation and response to chemical terrorist attacks.
A new study published in Biology Letters found that changing walking speeds can burn up to 20% more calories than maintaining a steady pace. The research measured the metabolic cost of varying speeds and found that even small changes in speed can significantly impact calorie burn.
A new DIY experiment by QUT physicists demonstrates how oceans expand as they heat up, causing sea levels to rise. The study finds that thermal expansion is responsible for most of the rising sea levels during the past century, with melting ice sheets contributing to further increases.
The OU School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering has been selected for a national diversity program to close the gender and minority gap in mechanical engineering. The school will receive education and training on diversity and inclusion to attract and retain underrepresented students and faculty.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are exploring the use of soft robots in various fields, including medicine and disaster response. The goal is to develop intelligent surgical assistants that can help surgeons perform more effective manipulation during surgery.
New analysis reveals that excessive bubble formation limits heat transfer, leading to overheating and equipment damage. The study identifies optimal surface texturing to improve boiler efficiency and plant safety.
Researchers discover that surfaces with valleys less than one micron wide can deflect water, keeping them dry for up to four months. This discovery could revolutionize industries such as shipping and pipe coatings by reducing drag and saving billions of dollars.
Joo H. Kim, an assistant professor at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering, receives the 2015 Freudenstein/General Motors Young Investigator Award for advancing study on energy expenditure in robotic systems. His research focuses on developing systems to measure and analyze with unprecedented accuracy the energy expenditure of robots.
Purdue researchers are working to learn precisely how much heat to apply and how frequently to use heat treatment for a given hair type without destroying it. The team has developed a prototype system that simulates a flat iron passing over hair, using an infrared microscope to study the behavior of heat on different hair types.
Researchers developed a novel model to predict the amount of nicotine emitted from e-cigarettes, achieving up to 90% accuracy. The study found that higher voltage devices paired with high-nicotine liquids can deliver more nicotine than traditional cigarettes.
A new algorithm developed by MIT researchers combines SLAM and object recognition to improve robots' performance. The system uses SLAM information to augment existing object-recognition algorithms, achieving comparable performance to special-purpose robotic object-recognition systems that factor in depth measurements.
A team of engineers and doctors at Vanderbilt University has developed a surgical robot with steerable needles equipped with wrists that provide needlescopic tools with previously lacked dexterity. This innovation allows for precise resections, suturing, and access to areas such as the nose, throat, ears, and brain.
Researchers from North Carolina State University and Brown University discovered that nanoscale wires have a significant anelasticity - they return slowly to their original shape when bent. The discovery was made while studying the buckling behavior of nanowires, and it has important implications for electronics and wearable devices.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method for producing hundreds of female emerald ash borer decoys using biomimetic fabrication. The new approach, which requires only one mold, is 40% more successful than previous methods and can be produced faster and less expensively.
A recent study published in the journal Science suggests that seahorse tails' square prism shape offers a functional advantage over cylindrical shapes. This unique design could inspire new forms of armor and lead to the development of search-and-rescue robots with improved control and versatility.
The seahorse tail's square shape provides better resistance to twisting and grasping control due to increased contact area. Its resilience is attributed to gliding joints, making it a valuable inspiration for designing search-and-rescue robots and other technologies.
Porfiri's research on mechanical vibrations could lead to safer ships and ways to harvest energy from aquatic systems. His work aims to design lightweight, fuel-efficient marine vessels and microsystems with untapped energy-harvesting capabilities.
The researchers have developed a robust approach to integrate graphene onto 3D microstructured surfaces, maintaining the structural integrity of graphene. The process incorporates three sequential steps: substrate swelling, shrinking, and adaptation, allowing for damage-free integration of graphene on 3D microstructures.