Research on machines, structures, and mechanical design. Covers metal foam for safer cars, drone flight paths, crumpling mechanics, and materials behavior.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study published in the American Journal of Physics found that the speed of a baseball bat when it hits the ball is the most important factor in hitting a home run. Curve balls are thrown with topspin, which automatically gives them backspin and lift upon impact, making them carry further than fastballs.
Johns Hopkins researchers found deformation twinning in nanocrystalline aluminum, explaining how it deforms under high loads. This discovery will help build models to predict the performance of these materials in real-world devices.
A team of Johns Hopkins students designed and built a computer-guided pill dispensing machine for a quadriplegic man, allowing him to take medication independently. The device, which uses a mouth stick and slam switch, enables the user to select medication and dispense it through a tube into their mouth.
The UC Riverside team designed a single-rider bicycle, Victory, which achieved a top speed of 50 miles per hour and ranked 8th overall. The team won recognition for their design and endurance capabilities, with notable performances in the sprint and grand prix events.
A team of Johns Hopkins University undergraduates invented the Main Squeeze device to ease child car safety seat installation. The low-tech tool applies up to 200 pounds of compression to ensure a snug fit, reducing the risk of injury. The students' design uses a simple crank and attachments for various car models.
Purdue University researchers have created a 'pumpless' liquid-cooling system that removes nearly six times more heat than existing miniature pumpless systems. The system uses microchannels and dielectric liquids to form smaller bubbles, which flow easily through the channels and carry heat away from computer chips.
Researchers aim to enhance understanding of artificial and natural knee joint failures, improve surgical procedures, and create longer-lasting implants. They are developing computational wear models that make quantifiable predictions of deterioration, enabling surgeons to select individualized knee designs.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a simple alternative to complex mathematical models for analyzing car designs. The new technique can pinpoint design flaws more accurately and diagnose problems within days, compared to months, by using vibration measurements.
Two Johns Hopkins engineering students designed and fabricated a new whitewater recreation helmet with three layers of EVA foam for better protection. The prototype helmet was tested and found to absorb enough energy to prevent serious head injuries, with costs reduced by using rapid prototyping technology.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a nanotech control device that achieves six degrees of freedom for precise positioning in nanotechnology and telesurgery. The device eliminates mechanical contact and friction, improving accuracy and resolution, while decreasing manufacturing costs and increasing reliability.
Researchers at Penn State developed new software to design multifunctional surgical instruments, reducing instrument exchanges and improving tactile feedback. The software was used to create a single MIS instrument that can grasp, cut, pivot, and bend around obstructions.
Researchers at Tufts University have engineered custom-made human knee ligaments using adult stem cells, offering a potential solution to the costly and debilitating ACL reconstruction process. The new tissue engineering strategy could significantly reduce recovery time for professional athletes and sports enthusiasts.
A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University is developing computer simulated models to predict the performance of new implant designs before they are implanted into patients. They aim to uncover how damage occurs in plastic used in total joint replacements and identify potential design concerns.
The program will study the impact of distributed power on Southern California air quality, assess air quality impact, and design low-emission combustors for micro-turbine generators. The grant is funded through the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program to reduce California's reliance on the power grid.
Researchers at UC Davis's Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction Technology (AHMCT) center are developing high-tech machines to improve safety in highway construction zones. The center has created innovative solutions such as automated debris removal vehicles, crack sealers, and traffic cone-laying robots.
Engineers at Johns Hopkins University invented a globe-shaped motor that can rotate in any direction, giving robotic arms greater flexibility and precision. The device could also be used to create a computer mouse that interacts with the user, or as a three-dimensional wheel with omnidimensional characteristics.
A new book series, interCONNECTIONS, aims to capture the attention of girls ages 8-11 and maintain their interest in math and science. The series features interactive, modular toys/boardgames that bring intangible concepts to life through metaphors and physical connections.
Gary Leal, a professor of chemical engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded the Society of Rheology's 2000 Bingham Medal. His research on polymeric liquids, liquid crystalline polymers, and suspensions/emulsions has significantly advanced the field of rheology.
The Purdue University engineers' modified office chair uses software algorithms to interpret pressure sensor data and determine the user's seating posture. The system demonstrated an overall accuracy of 96% in distinguishing between different postures, with a special dynamic system being worked on for real-time tracking.
Purdue researchers are developing automotive and portable air-conditioning systems that use environmentally friendly carbon dioxide as a refrigerant. Carbon dioxide is promising for small and light-weight systems, such as automotive or portable air conditioners.
University of Florida researchers Richard Elston and Zhuomin Zhang won the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The award includes a $500,000 research grant to support their independent research careers. The recipients' work focuses on advancing basic science in heat transfer and thermodynamics.
Researchers at Purdue University are creating plastic and mathematical models to analyze the aerodynamic sound of human speech. They aim to predict the consequences of surgery on the throat and develop a method to better synthesize and characterize voices for robotics and voice-recognition purposes.
The Rockwell Engineering Scholars Endowment will help Clemson meet its commitment to increase its number of engineering graduates by 30 percent. The endowment, valued at $1 million, will provide scholarships for students in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.
A University of Michigan team found that applying repeated strain during tissue development increases the expression of key structural protein genes and improves cell organization, leading to stronger tissues. This approach could improve engineered tissues' strength and potentially be used to investigate disease mechanisms.