Articles tagged with Mechanical Engineering
Assistant mechanical engineering professor Halel Ardebili has received a $400,000 NSF CAREER award to study the fundamental science behind flexible, stretchable batteries. Her research aims to develop battery components with optimal stability and performance for various applications.
Stretchable electronics are being developed to enhance device durability and functionality. Bingqing Wei's research group has made significant progress in creating scalable, stretchable power sources for flexible electronics using carbon nanotube macrofilms, polyurethane membranes and organic electrolytes.
A new computerized approach called model-based design and verification has the potential to radically change how complex machines are built. This technology translates mechanical systems into data that can be mixed and matched in sophisticated computer systems.
Researchers found that cell death leads to wrinkles in biofilms, while stiffness affects wrinkling patterns. They created artificial wrinkle patterns in bacteria to verify their findings, shedding light on the mechanics of cell, tissue and organ formation.
The new system uses the Microsoft Kinect camera to track hand movements and detect unique traits, allowing for efficient recognition of individual users. Researchers tested the concept in two user studies, achieving accuracy rates of up to 98%, paving the way for applications such as virtual design studios and interactive appliances.
Researchers found that auditory cues had the greatest influence on human gait, while visual cues had no significant effect. The study suggests that auditory cues could be particularly helpful for patients with Parkinson's Disease in their rehabilitation.
University of Toronto researchers have developed a device that can create three-dimensional, functional tissues through a precise and controlled process. The technology uses biomaterials to form a 'mosaic hydrogel' sheet, onto which cells are seeded in specific placements, mimicking natural cell placement in living tissues.
Dominik Schillinger's novel simulation concept enables direct integration of CAD geometry into finite element analysis, eliminating mesh generation. This technology is expected to significantly influence design processes in mechanical, automotive, aerospace, and civil engineering.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University created self-regulating microscopic materials that can continuously sense and regulate temperature. The new material, called SMARTS, offers a customizable way to trigger chemical reactions on cue and reproduce stable feedback loops found in biological systems.
A Johns Hopkins University research team found that the deep catch stroke, resembling a paddle, is more efficient and effective than the sculling stroke. The study used high-precision laser scans and computer simulations to analyze fluid dynamics around the arm and forces acting on the limb.
A 'nanoclutch' has been designed to regulate the speed of nanomotors, allowing for stepless control. The device uses electrowetting forces and charged carbon nanotubes to transmit torque between tubes.
A new design method called Kaleidogami uses computational algorithms to create precisely folded structures, enabling the creation of morphing robotic mechanisms and shape-shifting sculptures. The method also has potential applications in architecture, such as designing vaulted ceilings and retractable roofs.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have discovered that adding nanoclays to asphalt materials can stiffen the mixture, potentially preventing rutting. The study found that even tiny amounts of nanoclays can improve the viscosity of the asphalt, providing better stiffness and durability.
Researchers are developing new cell-interactive resilin-like materials with mechanical properties similar to the natural protein to treat vocal fold disorders. The materials have been engineered to support the growth of multiple types of cells and exhibit biochemical and mechanical properties like those of healthy vocal fold tissue.
A new study by researchers at the University of Manchester found that orangutans build nests with a high degree of sophistication, using strong branches for structural parts and weaker ones for linings. The apes' choice of branch was dictated by its diameter and rigidity, indicating possible knowledge of mechanical properties.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to prevent undersea ice clogs by using passive coatings on pipe insides that inhibit methane hydrate adhesion. The coatings reduce hydrate adhesion to one-quarter of the amount on untreated surfaces, providing a simple and inexpensive solution.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and MIT demonstrated that a nonoscillating gel can be resuscitated by mechanical pressure, paving the way for robots to 'feel' like humans do. This discovery could lead to the development of artificial skin with sensory capabilities.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed the 'buckliball,' a hollow spherical object that collapses reversibly when air is sucked out, exhibiting cooperative buckling behavior. This design has the potential for widespread applications in structures, materials, and toys.
The Penn State Applied Research Laboratory and Sciaky, Inc. have established the Center for Innovative Metal Processing through Direct Digital Deposition as a Manufacturing Demonstration Facility. The center aims to provide an advanced design and simulation tool in a shared network for industry participants to evaluate the technology.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have found that density stratification has a significant impact on small organisms in aquatic ecosystems. Organisms near pycnoclines experience reduced risk of predation, affording a competitive advantage, which can lead to an accumulation of particles and alter environmental processes.
Researchers Auna Moser and Paul Bellan observed a surprising phenomenon in lab experiments that provides clues to the origin of solar flares. The discovery reveals a connection between kink instability and Rayleigh-Taylor instability, which are two distinct phenomena occurring at different scales.
Researchers discovered the Arapaima fish's unique scales provide 'bioinspiration' for engineers developing flexible ceramics. The combination of hard and soft materials allows the scales to repel piranha bites while maintaining strength, offering lessons for bio-inspired engineers.
The Cleveland Traumatic Neuromechanics Consortium (TNC) will investigate and develop better protection and treatment strategies for head, neck and spinal injuries. The center will combine engineering and clinical expertise from both institutions to make a significant positive difference in people's lives.
Shane Ross' CAREER Award project aims to develop better engineering tools to understand fluid motions, with potential applications in drug delivery, cardiovascular health and pollution dispersion. The researcher plans to integrate research and education through team-based projects.
A team of engineers led by Ioannis Poulakakis aims to create robots that can run like animals, enabling them to access areas inaccessible to conventional vehicles. Using biomechanics research, they seek to develop a family of systematic control strategies that work with the robot's natural dynamics.
Engineers have created a prototype air sampling system that can quickly blow particles off the surfaces of shoes and suck them away for analysis. The system uses air jets to dislodge particles from shoe surfaces, ensuring all liberated particles are transported in the appropriate direction.
Researchers at Iowa State University have produced a new method to create inexpensive sugars from biomass using fast pyrolysis. This process could potentially be the cheapest way to produce biofuels or biorenewable chemicals, offering a more sustainable alternative.
Three Penn State-led projects have received more than $1.6 million in combined research and development grants to improve nuclear fuel safety and develop new alloys for extended service. The projects focus on understanding corrosion protectiveness, detecting damage before fatigue cracks, and developing advanced monitoring methods.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology are developing innovative anti-corrosion materials with superhydrophobic properties to repel water and prevent corrosion. The grant will support the study of nanoscale wetting dynamics on these surfaces using an environmental scanning electron microscope.
Researchers created a device platform that combines electronic components for sensing, medical diagnostics, communications, and human-machine interfaces on an ultrathin skin-like patch. The circuit bends and stretches like the skin, allowing for comfortable wear and freedom of movement.
A new study published in Clinical Rehabilitation found that robot-assisted therapy, combined with functional task training, significantly improved functional arm use and bimanual arm activity in daily life among stroke patients. The study used accelerometers to measure real-world arm activity and showed that this type of therapy can pr...
A team of experts from five universities and two government research institutes aims to create new materials for high-performance applications. They plan to build 3D networks of carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets to produce strong electrical and thermal conductivity.
Dr. Eui-Hyeok Yang, a Stevens Institute of Technology professor, has received a Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) grant to support nanoscale imaging research. The grant will enable the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, including a high-resolution scanning probe microscope.
Researchers at NIST have created a measurement technique that determines mechanical properties of near-nanoscale films, enabling better design for water purification systems. The study reveals chlorine causes progressive deterioration in membrane performance over time, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a graphene coating that harvests energy from flowing water, powering tiny sensors used to detect underground oil and gas. The technology enables cost-efficient oil exploration and could lead to autonomous microscale sensors for various applications.
Scientists have developed a novel method to create ferroelectric nanostructures directly on flexible plastic substrates using thermochemical nanolithography and heated AFM tips. This breakthrough enables the production of complex structures for energy harvesting, sensors, and actuators at low temperatures.
The University of California, Davis has signed an exclusive license agreement with Barobo, Inc. to commercialize the iMobot modular robot technology. The technology enables flexible and adaptable robots that can be reconfigured for various applications.
The University of Arizona College of Engineering has been awarded grants from the US Department of Defense to develop high-tech measuring equipment for real-world applications in chemical and civil engineering. Armin Sorooshian's project aims to study cloud droplets and their effect on precipitation, while Jennifer Duan's project focus...
Rogers' groundbreaking research combines soft, stretchable materials with micro-and nanoscale electronic components to create devices with diverse practical applications, including solar power and biocompatible sensor arrays. He is recognized for his ability to bridge incongruent fields of work and translate science into products.
Dr. John Rogers has developed revolutionary products in human health, fiber optics, semiconductor manufacturing, and solar power, with many currently in commercial use. He is also a mentor to students at University of Illinois, encouraging future inventors to think ingeniously and pursue solutions to grand challenges.
Dr. Frank Fisher, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, has been added to the Fulbright Specialist Roster as a candidate for grants to cooperate internationally on academic development.
Researchers from the University of Arizona and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed graphene ceramic composites that exhibit new fracture resistance mechanisms, increasing toughness by over 200%. This breakthrough discovery could enable widespread use of ceramics in high-temperature applications.
Researchers have found that exposure to vibrations from power tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, a condition that leads to numbness, loss of dexterity, and discoloration in the extremities. A study by Concordia engineer Subhash Rakheja suggests that simple seat upgrades can reduce exposure by up to 60 percent.
A two-year energy audit by McMaster University identified significant energy conservation measures that could save Hamilton schools almost $2.4 million annually. The audit found opportunities to install advanced heat recovery systems, boilers, solar, and wind generating systems.
The iMobot robot has four controllable degrees of freedom and can be assembled into larger robots for specific tasks. Researchers hope the technology will speed up university and industry research in robotics.
A study by NC State University researchers found that bank shots are more effective than direct shots, especially from 12 feet away or in the 'wing' areas between the three-point line and free-throw lane. The optimal aim points create a 'V' shape near the top center of the backboard.
Caltech graduate student Guoan Zheng received the 2011 Lemelson-MIT Caltech Student Prize for his on-chip microscopy imaging technology with potential applications in malaria and blood-borne diseases. Meanwhile, Wendian Shi's portable lab-on-a-chip system for determining white blood cell counts won a $10,000 award.
Researchers developed a protective substrate to observe polymer deformation, revealing creasing-to-cratering phenomenon under increased voltage. This breakthrough could lead to improved durability and efficiency of polymers in electrical applications.
Stevens researchers create reliable nano-actuators that can benefit diverse applications, including biomaterials and nano robots. The precise arrangement of nanowires is crucial for practical applications, but current techniques face limitations.
A new method has been developed to estimate uncertainty in particle image velocimetry, a widely used technique in fluid mechanics. The approach allows for more accurate results and increased reliability in flow measurements, with potential applications in fields such as aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and biomedical research.
Dr. Zavlanos' proposed research develops formal methods for networks of mobile robots, integrating control in the cyber and physical domains. His approach offers a more realistic look at networked robot systems, addressing environmental interference, power management, and robot dynamics.
Researchers at UC San Diego have made a breakthrough discovery that can help predict where and how quickly initial fires spread in warehouses. The study focuses on corrugated cardboard, finding that it slows the rate of fire spread due to peeling layers, making it essential for designing warehouse protection systems.
Researchers created a robotic fish that can swim vertically and horizontally with unprecedented agility. The robot uses a sophisticated fin to generate inward counterpropagating waves, allowing it to move in unexpected directions. Its potential applications include underwater recovery operations and long-term monitoring of coral reefs.
A new study in HortScience found that mechanical harvesting creates up to 250% more debris than hand-harvested controls, resulting in increased costs for citrus producers. The research also highlights the importance of tree management practices in preventing debris from entering the harvesting stream.
University of Illinois researchers create an acoustic cloak that hides underwater objects from detection, using metamaterials to manipulate sound waves. The technology has potential applications in military stealth, soundproofing, and medical imaging.
Hassan Aref, a Virginia Tech professor, has been awarded the G.I. Taylor Medal for his outstanding contributions to fluid mechanics research. His work includes shedding new light on chaotic motion and its applications.
Engineers Sunghwan Jung and Navish Wadhwa found that silicone oil jets do not coalesce when impacted at a specific angle, due to the lubrication effect of air between them. This study sheds light on non-coalescence behaviors in various engineering systems.
Jonathan Malen's research may lead to more precise thermal management devices for aircraft and other transportation systems. He proposes using thin layers of small molecules to filter vibrations that carry heat, enabling more precise control over temperature.
The number of US research doctorate degrees awarded grew to 49,562 in 2009, up 1.6% from the previous year. Doctorates in science and engineering fields increased by 1.9%, largely driven by growth in female recipients.
Rensselaer students Casey Hoffman and Jaron Kuppers won the top prize with their SET process, which offers a new method for curing advanced composites using less energy and cost. The process has the potential to trim manufacturing costs and widen the playing field of businesses that can afford to research and manufacture these materials.