Research on machines, structures, and mechanical design. Covers metal foam for safer cars, drone flight paths, crumpling mechanics, and materials behavior.
Researchers at MIT suggest designing products to help microentrepreneurs generate income is key to success. Factors such as reliability, profitability and multifunctionality often trump affordability in developing countries.
Researchers use nanoplasmonics to modulate light on the nanometer scale, but controlling the beam's direction is challenging. A bubble lens overcomes this issue by reconfiguring its location, size, and shape to focus or deflect the light beam.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a cost-effective and efficient robot called SkySweeper to inspect power lines. The robot can move along utility lines, searching for damage and other problems that require repairs, and can be scaled up for under $1,000.
Graphene's interface properties have been studied, revealing how it interacts with other materials. A technique has been developed to make graphene-based stretchable devices by 'buckling' the material.
Flavia Tauro, a graduate student at NYU-Poly, has won the AGU Hydrology Section's Horton Research Grant to develop novel tracer particles for hydrological monitoring. Her technique aims to improve the efficiency and feasibility of traditional tracing methods while reducing environmental impact.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute professor Diana Lados received the inaugural Constance Tipper Silver Medal for her seminal research and technical accomplishments in metal fracture and fatigue. Her work has worldwide impact and applications in automotive, aerospace, marine, and military industries.
A new dispatch system could reduce trip lengths by two-thirds and get drivers back home more often, saving money on trucks needed to move freight. The system combines elements of point-to-point and relay networks to optimize load routing and minimize driver impact.
Researchers at MIT have developed an array that precisely tracks motor vibrations through the skin, enabling better localization and perception of tactile stimuli. This innovation could lead to wearable GPS-linked devices providing tactile guidance for navigation and direction.
A team of researchers has successfully measured heat transfer at the atomic scale, enabling insights into the relationship between heat dissipation and electronic structure in devices. This breakthrough could help overcome technological hurdles in creating smaller and more powerful electronics.
Researchers at Rice University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have advanced on the goal of two-dimensional electronics by controlling the growth of uniform atomic layers of molybdenum disulfide. The material is a semiconductor, one of three needed to make functioning 2-D electronic components.
A team of biomechanics experts at SMU are investigating the forces involved in typical basketball collisions and their relationship to balance and body control. The research aims to estimate 'flopping' forces from video data and potentially enhance video reviews of alleged flopping.
University of Illinois researchers create the first bridge between optomechanics and microfluidics, enabling the study of mechanical vibrations in liquids. The technology has potential applications in biosensors, fluid analysis, and optical control of fluid flow.
A new study reveals that Allosaurus was a more dexterous hunter than previously thought, using its unique neck structure to strip flesh from prey. Unlike T. rex, which used brute force power, Allosaurus employed a falcon-like technique that relied on agility and control.
A team of Penn engineers has created a new infrared sensor using nanoantennas, allowing for more sensitive detection and compact designs. The device works by connecting mechanical motion to temperature changes, reducing the need for bulky equipment and expensive materials.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to print highly conductive and bendable layers of graphene using inkjet printing. The resulting patterns are 250 times more conductive than previous attempts, paving the way for low-cost, foldable electronics.
Researchers discovered cicadas can use jumping droplets to remove contaminants from their wings, offering an alternative to conventional self-cleaning methods. This phenomenon works without relying on external forces or gravity.
Rice University researchers have discovered that the liquid crystal phase of silicone becomes significantly stiffer when subjected to repeated compression. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for self-healing materials, as well as biocompatible materials that mimic human tissues. The stiffening effect is reversible and occur...
Researchers at MIT have found that the molecular structure of aggrecans in cartilage makes it more susceptible to damage from physical activities like running or jumping. This discovery could help develop tests to diagnose arthritis earlier and guide engineers in designing replacement cartilage.
A new study from the University of Sheffield used a test machine to measure friction on tennis court surfaces, finding that sand particle size affects clay court friction, particularly when wet. The research aims to create international standards for court surfaces to inform players about court conditions and improve player safety.
Researchers developed a novel rotary actuator that delivers more torque than previous devices, achieving four-fold improvements in loading torque and accuracy. The device uses piezoelectric material and a clamp with a changeable clamping radius to optimize power and control.
Researchers studied silicone oil jets bouncing off each other, finding that high-speed flow can inhibit mixing. The study's findings have implications for fuel efficiency in space rockets.
GCEP is awarding $6.6 million to seven research teams at Stanford and Carnegie Mellon for innovative projects on clean energy and carbon capture. These projects aim to develop technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce electricity or hydrogen fuel, with potential applications in the coming decades.
A new stretchable lithium-ion battery has been developed by Northwestern University researchers, enabling true integration of electronics and power into a small, stretchable package. The battery can be stretched up to 300 percent of its original size without losing functionality.
A WUSTL researcher has received a $2.25 million grant to create 3D computer models of brain biomechanics, which will help improve methods for preventing and treating traumatic brain injuries. The new models will provide a better understanding of what happens to the brain during such injuries.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a way for small molecules to spontaneously grow into centimeter-long microtubes through self-assembly. The process involves the formation of vesicles that stick onto the surface of the tube, causing it to grow longer and wider.
Researchers aim to mimic reptiles' ability to increase locomotion efficiency and frogs' high propulsion. They investigate drinking strategies of carnivorous animals like cats and dogs to develop bio-inspired systems.
Hyejin Moon's novel microfluidic devices improve accurate images and conditions of huge numbers of samples, enabling quicker disease biomarker identification. The technology has applications for speedier drug development and may lead to the development of devices used by patients in their own homes.
The Air Force's Office of Scientific Research has awarded Virginia Tech a $3.5 million award to develop computational fluid dynamic (CFD) codes and a supporting hardware-software ecosystem for simulating micro air vehicles (MAVs). The goal is to achieve substantial speed-ups in simulation speed using accelerator-based supercomputers li...
Researchers have created a material that uses physical movement to knock away bacteria, reducing drag and improving energy efficiency on ships. The innovative solution avoids toxic chemicals often found in traditional antibacterial paints.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new organic solar cell design that maximizes light trapping using a geometric pattern inspired by natural evolution. The design achieved a three-fold increase over the Yablonovitch Limit, a thermodynamic limit for photon trapping in semiconductors.
A team of researchers at the University of Washington has discovered an organic ferroelectric molecule with promising properties for memory, sensing, and energy storage. The molecule offers a range of benefits, including lower costs, flexibility, and reduced toxicity.
Researchers Seung Mun You and Hyejin Moon are using aluminum and nanopore technology to update an ancient evaporative process, known as zeer cooling, to cool vaccines and medicine without electricity. Their goal is to preserve vaccines and medicines in remote areas with limited access to electricity.
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research has awarded grants to 40 scientists and engineers for basic research in science and engineering. The recipients will focus on various areas including aerospace, materials sciences, and life sciences.
MIT researchers have developed a coated surface with nanostructured patterns that increase the heat-transfer coefficient, allowing for more efficient condensation and reducing the need for expensive manufacturing processes. The technology has been shown to improve heat transfer in industrial plants by up to 30%.
Scientists have discovered a new type of molecular lever that can accelerate chemical reactions 1000 times faster than other molecules. This breakthrough has the potential to engineer more efficient materials with improved mechanical and thermal properties.
Researchers at UT Arlington are working with IBM to minimize heat generated by stacked 3D integrated circuits and develop cooling solutions. The team aims to improve efficiency, speed, and reliability of 3D ICs, which could lead to significant financial savings and advancements in computing.
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.