Articles tagged with Mechanical Engineering
A new University of Delaware research project aims to engineer functional vocal cord tissue to replace scarred, rigid tissue. The team is developing novel biomaterials that mimic the molecular composition and mechanical responsiveness of natural extracellular matrices, with the goal of improving pliability and preventing scarring.
A new study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute reveals that carbon nanotubes exhibit fatigue resistance similar to soft tissue, making them suitable for creating synthetic muscle or electro-mechanical systems. The researchers successfully compressed the nanotube block over 500,000 times without significant degradation.
The University of Delaware has received a $11 million grant from the NIH to conduct translational research on osteoarthritis, focusing on tissue mechanics and biomechanics. A unique mentoring program will also support women biomedical researchers at UD.
Salvatore Torquato received the 2007 Ralph E. Kleinman Prize for his groundbreaking work on heterogeneous materials, bridging mathematics and applications in engineering and science. His research has led to highly original advances in various problems, including microstructure characterization and percolation theory.
Hai-Chao Han, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, has been awarded a five-year NSF CAREER grant to study artery buckling and its relationship to cardiovascular diseases. His research aims to understand mechanical stress in arterial remodeling and develop new technologies for treatment.
Florida State University is designing a new, 571-acre community called Sky with integrated renewable energy systems and sustainable design. The community will feature geothermal loops, solar collectors, fuel cells, and advanced wastewater treatment facilities to minimize its environmental footprint.
Researchers discovered that power-law distributions are common in various systems, including the internet, due to the 'rich get richer' effect. This phenomenon can be influenced by tradeoffs between network distance and connection numbers.
Dennis Hong, a Virginia Tech professor, has developed a robotic locomotion mechanism that mimics the motion of an amoeba. The Whole Skin Locomotion (WSL) mechanism enables robots to squeeze through narrow spaces and navigate challenging terrain with ease.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a simple electrochemical process for direct patterning of metallic interconnects and nanostructures. The S4 process uses a patterned superionic material as a stamp, etching a metallic film in a single step.
Researchers aim to shorten runway delays by creating near-axis swirls in trailing vortices, reducing turbulence and making runways usable more quickly. The study's goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach and explain its physics.
Scientists have created a prototype carbon nanotube knife that could revolutionize cell biology by enabling precise cuts and 3D images of cells. The device, which stretches between two electrochemically sharpened tungsten needles, has shown promising results in mechanical strength tests.
Dr. Youqi Wang is creating a new approach to designing ballistic-resistant fabrics and textiles. Her research focuses on the mechanical properties of fibers and how they interact with each other.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed arrays of robotic whiskers that sense information about object shape and fluid flow. These artificial whiskers can extract three-dimensional features from solid objects by analyzing bending moments and strain gauges.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a method to detect defects in composite materials using a network of carbon nanotubes. The discovery has significant implications for predicting the lifespan of composite materials and ensuring their safety in various applications, including commercial airliners.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working with Frontline BioEnergy to develop a renewable alternative to natural gas in ethanol production. The new technology uses partial combustion of biomass to produce producer gas, which can replace natural gas in plant heaters and be upgraded into high-value fuels.
Researchers at MIT are testing kayak-based robots called SCOUTs, which use surface navigation to communicate wirelessly. The goal is to create a team of robots that can work seamlessly together with minimal human direction.
Undergraduates at Johns Hopkins University have created a low-cost, portable Braille writing device with no electronic components. The device features six buttons to produce Braille letters and numbers, and can be assembled for $10 each.
Kathryn Abel, Director of Engineering Management Program at Stevens Institute of Technology, receives the Merl Baker Award for her dedication to engineering management division. She is also a university alumna and has held various leadership positions in academic organizations.
Dr Elise Feng-I Morgan, a researcher at Boston University, has been awarded the 2005 IOF-Servier Young Investigator Award for her innovative research on osteoporosis. This prestigious award aims to promote awareness and understanding of osteoporosis among young scientists.
The Stevens Institute of Technology's ASME student section won three awards at the recent conference for their Senior Design projects. The award-winning projects include a women's lacrosse skill development device, a wave energy power generator, and a micro-air vehicle with weight and payload optimization.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new cooling system that uses a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) pump to cool electronic devices on a tiny scale. The device is integrated onto a silicon chip and can create a cooling action through electrohydrodynamics, enhancing the pumping action by up to 13 percent.
Duke University researchers have developed a technique using ferrofluids and magnetic traps to create 'nanocavities' that can be used as chemical detectors or for data storage. The team uses magnetics to manipulate microstructures, allowing for complex patterns to be assembled.
Karl Lewis, a renowned Pitt engineering professor, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the NSBE Pittsburgh convention. He is recognized for his extensive contributions to engineering and science, including education programs that have educated hundreds of successful Black engineers.
A recent study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease through a better understanding of blood flow. Vlachos' research focuses on the physics of blood flow through the body, with an emphasis on experimental models and optical imaging tools.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new approach that unifies the design and analysis processes, allowing for concurrent computation. This integration enables faster processing of complex problems in industries such as automotive and aerospace, reducing computational power required.
Researchers have developed a portable device that uses Doppler ultrasound to find veins quickly and accurately. The device is composed of two parts: a reusable unit with signal processing components and a disposable coupler box with a reflector and needle guide.
Researchers discovered that toucan beaks are made of a bio-composite consisting of keratin tiles glued to a rigid foam-like interior, providing exceptional lightweight strength. The study's findings could lead to the development of ultra-light aircraft and vehicle components with improved impact-absorption systems.
Purdue engineers have created a new method to analyze the components of automotive suspension systems, aiming to improve performance, reduce weight, and increase durability. The approach represents a potential change in how suspensions are designed, with potential benefits including lighter and more efficient suspension systems.
The Penn State team has successfully developed a method to calculate optimal proportions of niobium powder to binder and temperature for sintering, opening doors to injection-molded niobium parts. The approach can be applied to other materials with irregularly-shaped particles, expanding its potential applications.
A $6.5 million nanomedicine center at Yale University aims to design, model, synthesize, and fabricate nanomedical devices based on natural and synthetic ion transporters. The center will focus on developing biobatteries for implantable devices, including an artificial retina.
Stevens will create a plan for an online mechanical engineering program based on initial study findings, which include student populations, faculty requirements and accreditation needs. The program aims to benefit mid-career employees and non-traditional students with flexible and egalitarian education.
The FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership aims to create hydrogen-powered vehicles, exploring energy sources, fuel cells, and safety. However, challenges such as hydrogen storage and production remain significant hurdles to achieving this goal.
Student researcher Christopher Kovalchick used a low-cost technique to test tiny samples of four metal alloys and found that combining platinum with chromium resulted in the greatest strength. The findings are important because pure platinum is too soft for use in durable jewelry, but adding chromium improves its mechanical properties.
A team of scientists from K-State and Brookhaven National Laboratory has developed a compact, high-resolution gamma ray detector that is cheaper to produce than existing devices. The invention, which uses a patented design by McGregor and McNeil, can be used for homeland security purposes, medical imaging, and radiation monitoring.
Three Johns Hopkins undergraduates built a model airship to test guidance, navigation and control systems for a military surveillance craft. The blimp was designed by APL engineers to conduct surveillance at the outer edge of the Earth's atmosphere, with video camera capabilities.
A team of Johns Hopkins engineering undergraduates designed a system that uses sound emitters in the ball and on the backboard to enable blind people to play basketball. The system, tested by Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, allows players to locate their shooting target through low pulse tones and higher continuous tones.
A new underwater listening device has been developed by Boston University engineers using off-the-shelf hardware, combining sophisticated engineering to create a highly sensitive device. The array can be towed behind small craft, making it easier to launch, and is less expensive than current multi-million dollar systems.
Cornell University researchers have developed a robot composed of modular cubes, called molecubes, that can self-replicate by bending and attaching to other cubes. This technology has potential applications for space exploration and hazardous work environments, where robots could repair or rebuild themselves with spare modules.
Pradeep Sharma's research on quantum dots holds potential in detecting tumors and encrypting data. The award will support his investigation into new scaling laws for quantum dots due to mechanical strain.
Mechanical engineers at Purdue University have created micro-channel heat sinks that can cool electronic components, enabling faster performance and better functionality. The devices are being developed to address the growing need for efficient cooling in advanced laser systems, microwave radar, and future computers.
A Johns Hopkins engineering student built an antenna inspired by a cockroach's sensory system, enabling a robot to scurry along walls and avoid obstacles. The device sends signals to the robotic brain, allowing it to maneuver in low-light environments with polished surfaces.
The Duke team is analyzing different obstacles and identifying distinguishing features to create
Researchers developed a nanomechanical oscillator that bridges classic and quantum physics, exhibiting macroscopic quantum behavior at gigahertz speeds. The device is the fastest of its kind, oscillating at 1.49 gigahertz, and could be used for quantum computing, further miniaturizing wireless communication devices.
Ali Nayfeh, a renowned Virginia Tech engineer, has been honored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for his lifetime contributions to nonlinear dynamics. He joins the Office of Naval Research's HiCASS team to develop ship-to-ship transfer capabilities, a crucial technology for naval operations.
A team led by Professor Kenneth Mease will develop an algorithm to control a Mars lander's flight during the hypersonic entry phase and deliver the vehicle with pinpoint accuracy. The first demonstration of pinpoint landing is under consideration for a Mars mission in 2011.
Researchers at Purdue University developed a method to trace documents to specific printers, enabling law enforcement to investigate counterfeiting and homeland security matters. The technique uses unique printer characteristics and embedded features to identify the printer used to create documents.
Researchers investigate protein structures of plants to understand their role in generating shape changes in natural materials. Successful development aims to create synthetic materials that utilize internal pressure changes for controllable shapes.
A team of researchers developed a mathematical model to explain the 5-second delay between head motion and vertigo attacks, suggesting that tiny particles called otoconia may be responsible. The study used hydrodynamic models to show that loose otoconia can cause disruptions in the inner ear, leading to dizziness.
The USC Biomechanics Research Laboratory uses high-tech biomedical modeling to analyze athlete performance, identifying areas for improvement. The lab's approach combines experimental and simulation results to develop personalized training plans for athletes.
Roland Glowinski, a renowned mathematician at the University of Houston, has been awarded the Theodore von Kármán Prize for his sustained outstanding contributions to mechanics and applied computational mathematics. He will give a special lecture on numerical simulation of incompressible viscous flow with moving or free boundary: appli...
A low-cost robotic vehicle has been designed to detect land mines in rough terrain, marking their location with a spray of paint. The device can be controlled from up to 500 feet away and is estimated to cost $1,000 or less, including detection sensors.
Joseph M. Grogan, a Mechanical Engineering graduate, was recognized as a Tau Beta Pi Fellow for his academic excellence and exemplary character. He will pursue his master's and doctoral degrees in manufacturing engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Virtual Haptic Back system uses a sophisticated haptic interface to simulate the sensation of touching a human back. Medical students can practice palpation skills on simulated backs, improving their ability to diagnose dysfunctions and address two major challenges in osteopathic doctor training.
A team of Johns Hopkins seniors designed a vest filled with foam padding to absorb energy from car crashes, reducing chest compression by up to 17%. Their four-point harness system also minimized sternum deflection and dropped crash impact forces by 33%.
A team of industrial partners, including TechSolve Inc., is working with Purdue University to create an intelligent system that improves precision-grinding processes for parts production. The 'intelligent optimization and control grinding processes' use artificial-intelligence software to learn and adapt to changing conditions.
University of Michigan researchers have developed an ultra-fast laser technique that enables precise nanoscale machining. The method uses femtosecond pulses to selectively ablate features as small as 20 nanometers, making it possible to machine a wide variety of materials on the nanometer scale.
Researchers created a system to convert 3D CAD parts into a simplified skeletal graph, enabling easier part reuse and saving companies time and money. The new system uses complex software algorithms to convert voxels into the skeletal graph, representing the bare bones of a part's shape and features.
A new shape-search system developed by Purdue engineers allows employees to search huge industry databases using sketches of parts or selecting similar-shaped parts. The system reduces design time by up to 80% by indexing parts based on their geometry and features, providing valuable background information about part production costs.
A team at Washington University in St. Louis has created a three-minute video capturing the unique interaction between water and three different oils when mixed using a magnetic stir bar. The resulting vortices, or funnels, display distinct characteristics due to their varying viscosities, showcasing the fluid dynamics phenomenon.
Researchers developed synthetic jets that produce two to three times as much cooling with two-thirds less energy input, overcoming fan limitations. Vibration-induced droplet atomization technology also uses tiny cooling liquid droplets to carry heat away from components.