Articles tagged with Mechanical Engineering
Engineers at the University of Florida have developed a novel 3D printing method called VIPS-3DP, which creates single-material and multi-material objects using sustainable materials and less energy. This process allows for custom-made objects to be printed economically and sustainably.
Researchers developed a spring-like device that maximizes muscle contractions to power biohybrid robots. The new flexure design enables predictable and reliable movement, allowing engineers to build muscle-powered robots with increased precision and versatility.
The new metafluid can transition between Newtonian and non-Newtonian states, allowing for programmable viscosity and compressibility. The researchers demonstrated the fluid's capabilities in a hydraulic robotic gripper, picking up objects of varying weights without crushing them.
The CEC researchers have received funding to transform Eagle Bank Arena into a one-of-a-kind robotics experimentation and competition venue. This unique facility will enable the study of multi-robot systems in adversarial settings, advancing the state-of-the-art in heterogeneous multi-robot technologies.
Research by a team at Pohang University of Science & Technology found that impurities in lithium raw material can enhance process efficiency and prolong battery lifespan, reducing costs and emissions by up to 19.4% and 9.0%, respectively.
Researchers have developed two innovative methods for mass-producing metalenses, reducing production costs by up to 1,000 times. The team achieved successful creation of large-scale infrared metalenses with high resolution and exceptional light-collecting capabilities.
Researchers from Tsinghua University propose a novel process to convert cutting chips into unique microstructures, transforming waste into valuable materials. The finding has potential applications in enhanced heat transfer, anti-icing, and antibacterial properties.
The MIT-designed 'architected' reef could dissipate more than 95% of incoming wave energy using a fraction of the material needed, reducing erosion and flooding. The cylindrical structure's unique design leverages turbulence to efficiently break waves, making it a potential solution for coastal protection in various water conditions.
A new MIT-derived algorithm corrects coarse climate model predictions by 'nudging' them toward more realistic patterns, leading to more accurate forecasts of extreme weather events. The approach uses machine learning and dynamical systems theory to improve the resolution of large-scale climate models.
Researchers at WVU are developing solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, with the goal of cutting production costs to $1 per kilogram. The projects focus on improving SOEC design and manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have created a chip that can directly isolate blood plasma from a tube of blood in just 30 minutes, removing over 99.9% of blood cells and platelets. The device, called ExoArc, enables high-quality plasma for disease screening and research, improving diagnosis accuracy and reducing waiting times.
The researchers achieved 20-level intermediate states of phase change materials using a micron-scale laser writing system. This allows for the demonstration of ultra-high flexibility in phase modulation and potential applications in neuromorphic photonics, optical computing, and reconfigurable metasurfaces.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a universal approach to controlling robotic exoskeletons that requires no training, calibration, or adjustments. The system uses deep learning to autonomously adjust assistance levels for walking, standing, and climbing stairs, reducing user effort and metabolic expenditure.
Researchers have developed a new dural repair solution using a multi-functional biomaterial that addresses key limitations of current methods. The 'Dural Tough Adhesive' (DTA) performed better than currently used surgical sealants in tests using animal models and human-derived tissues.
Researchers developed a new open-source system to interface with living neurons, offering enhanced control and precision in measuring neural processes. The system boasts over 500 electrodes, allowing for more data collection and customization, while being 10 times cheaper than commercial systems.
Researchers at Rice University have developed an additive-free, water-based ink made of lignin and cellulose for producing architecturally intricate wood structures via direct ink writing. The new method exclusively uses nanoscale wood components for 3D printing, marking a significant advancement in the field.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs by harnessing AI in metamaterials research, leading to faster device development and more precise data analysis. This convergence of AI and metaphotonics has the potential to transform various domains, including diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and security.
A study outlines a gas diffusion media (GDM) design that accelerates water transport and improves reaction gas transport in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, reducing the risk of flooding. The design creates a hydrophobicity gradient to enhance mass transfer ability.
Researchers developed mesoporous metal oxides on flexible materials using synergetic effect of heat and plasma at lower temperatures. The devices can withstand bending thousands of times without losing energy storage performance.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new diagnostic platform that uses sound waves to spin an individual drop of water up to 6,000 revolutions per minute. The technique separates tiny biological particles within samples to enable new diagnostics based on exosomes.
A research team developed an anode protection layer to prevent random electrodeposition of lithium, promoting stable 'bottom electrodeposition' and reducing unnecessary consumption. The breakthrough results in all-solid-state batteries with stable electrochemical performance over extended periods using ultrathin lithium metal anodes.
Researchers at ETH Zurich taught ANYmal, a quadrupedal robot, to perform parkour and navigate rubble using machine learning. The robot uses its camera and artificial neural network to determine obstacles and perform movements likely to succeed based on previous training.
A team of UCF researchers has received a $1.5 million grant from the US Department of Energy to develop a novel metallization process for solar cells. The goal is to increase efficiency and lower production costs, making solar energy more accessible.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have devised a technique for mass-producing large-area metalenses tailored for use in the ultraviolet region. The breakthrough enables control over optical properties of UV rays, sparking interest in potential advancements for medical devices and wearable technology.
A novel transparent ultrasonic transducer (TUT) developed by POSTECH researchers offers exceptional optical transparency and maintains acoustic performance, surpassing conventional limitations. This breakthrough enables high-depth-to-resolution ratios for ultrasound imaging, with applications in various medical devices and fields.
A team of researchers created an optical display technology using afterglow luminescent particles, enabling writing and erasure of messages underwater. The device exhibits resistance to humidity and maintains functionality even when submerged for prolonged periods.
Researchers developed protein-based microcapsules to enhance aptamer sensors, enabling direct detection of target molecules in biological samples. The system demonstrates robust protection against harmful proteins and simultaneous real-time sensing of multiple targets.
Researchers have created a galvanized steel coating that reduces corrosion and prevents bacterial growth, improving food safety. The coating decreases bacterial strains over seven days and can be used on grain storage silos and other food-related storage units.
A breakthrough metamaterial has been developed to enable real-time shape and property control, surpassing existing materials' limitations. The material's adaptable capabilities make it suitable for applications in robotics and other fields requiring flexibility.
Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology developed angle-dependent holograms using metasurface technology, allowing for diverse images based on viewing angles. The holographic display demonstrates an extensive viewing angle of 70 degrees, enabling observers to perceive the three-dimensional image from various directions.
Researchers create a simple method to instantly bond layers made of the same or different types of hydrogels using a thin film of chitosan. The new approach has potential to broadly advance new biomaterials solutions for multiple unmet clinical needs, including regenerative medicine and surgical care.
Researchers develop PSEP, a compact and silent wearable thermal control device that offers real-time flow-rate monitoring and self-sensing capability. The device can adjust temperatures by up to 3°C, enhancing personal comfort and features an intuitive smartphone interface for seamless wireless control.
Scientists at the University of Illinois and Michigan created a template that minimizes heat transfer, resulting in highly organized microstructures. The result is eutectic materials with predictable and consistent properties, crucial for applications requiring uniformity.
Researchers developed a test to predict which heart attack patients are likely to experience dysfunction after receiving mechanical pumps. The test measures pulmonary vascular compliance and its adaptability, helping doctors prevent right ventricle failure.
Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology employ linker ions to pioneer three-dimensional microprinting technology applicable to inorganic substances and other various materials. The team successfully crafts inorganic porous structures with dimensions below 10 μm without specialized equipment.
A small, wearable ultrasound sticker can monitor organ stiffness and detect subtle changes that signal disease progression. The device has been shown to identify early signs of acute liver failure in rats and may one day help doctors diagnose internal organ failure more effectively.
Researchers developed a way for robots to recognize objects even when partially obscured, using a visual perception system and topology. The THOR (Teaching Humans Object Recognition) method outperforms current state-of-the-art models in cluttered spaces, including warehouses and homes.
Researchers created a polymer electrolyte membrane with an interpenetrating network that enhances fatigue resistance and prolongs the lifespan of fuel cells. The composite membrane exhibits a lifespan of 410 hours, compared to 242 hours for the original Nafion membrane.
Engineers developed an ultra-sensitive sensor made of graphene that can detect low concentrations of lead ions in water, achieving a record limit of detection down to the femtomolar range. The device's high sensitivity enables the detection of even one lead ion in a reasonable volume of water.
Researchers have developed a new padding design that can absorb forces in a more efficient way, with the potential to improve safety in various applications. The innovative technology uses a network of hexagonal towers and can be printed on commercially available 3D printers.
Researchers from the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics demonstrated an effective 'spark plug' for direct-drive methods of inertial confinement fusion (ICF), achieving a plasma hot enough to initiate fusion reactions. The successful experiments use the OMEGA laser system, with the goal of eventually producing fus...
A research team led by Professor Yang Yong found that severely oxidized metallic glass nanotubes can attain an ultrahigh recoverable elastic strain of up to 14% at room temperature. The discovery implies that oxidation in low-dimension metallic glass can result in unique properties for applications in sensors, medical devices, and othe...
The team proposed a novel machine learning model with data augmentation, which accurately predicts the plastic anisotropic properties of wrought Mg alloys. The model showed significantly better robustness and generalizability than other models, paving the way for improved design and manufacturing of metal products.
Researchers have developed a wearable patch that can detect and respond to human muscle signals, allowing people to control robotic exoskeletons more efficiently. The patch, called SNAP, uses microneedles to pick up tiny signals from muscles and sends them to outside equipment for processing.
A new study at MIT has developed a way to quickly test an array of metamaterial architectures and their resilience to supersonic impacts. The researchers found that the microstructure of the material matters, even with high-rate deformation, and identified impact-resistant structures for coatings or panels.
A team of scientists discovered that fractures propagate in starts and stops, moving through materials at high speeds. The amplitude and time between jumps depend on the viscosity of the liquid injected into the rock.
A new study proposes a data-sharing solution based on distributed fountain coding to improve the reliability of transmission in complex vehicle-connected environments. The proposed method allows receivers to accept encoded packets from different vehicles, reducing decoding failure caused by network anomalies.
Researchers developed a finite element model to analyze the structural static loads and collisions of a train cowcatcher. The simulation results showed that the cowcatcher has good obstacle clearance ability, but may suffer damage during frontal collision with large obstacles.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used specially made nanostructures to enhance the locust's ability to detect odors, boosting neural signals for improved chemical sensing. The team created a biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticle that converts light to heat, amplifying neural activity.
A new model developed by MIT engineers predicts how certain shoe properties will affect a runner's performance, incorporating factors like stiffness and springiness. The model aims to help designers create high-performing shoes with novel properties.
Researchers develop nanofibrous matrices containing MXene nanoparticles to aid in muscle regeneration. The study reveals molecular mechanisms behind the effects of MXene nanoparticles on muscle growth, suggesting a promising avenue for treating volumetric muscle loss and muscle-related ailments.
Undergraduate researcher Nguyen Vo-Bui's study reveals that residual stresses and dehydration are key factors behind carrot curling. The findings suggest that handling carrots in cold, moist environments can increase their edible life span.
Researchers have designed a new, affordable system to study neural interactions and compute using living neurons. The open-source MiV system boasts over 500 electrodes, offering improved control and precision in measuring neural processes.
Researchers outline new method to stabilize bulk hafnia in metastable ferroelectric and antiferroelectric states, paving the way for non-volatile memory technology. The approach requires less yttrium, improving material quality and purity.
A new technique using superluminescent light projection can print metal nanostructures at 480 times the speed and 35 times the cost of current methods. This breakthrough has the potential to democratize nanoscale 3D printing, making it accessible to more researchers and industries.
A team of researchers created a 3D bioprinted brain blood vessel model to investigate the impact of blood vessel curvature on metastatic cancer development. The model revealed that increased blood vessel curvature correlates with heightened cancer cell adherence and extravasation.
A team of researchers has created artificial small-diameter vessels (SDVs) featuring pores that enable the formation of an endothelium without additional processing steps. The 3D-printed vessels were successfully infused with human cells, demonstrating spontaneous cellular assembly and paving the way for potential transplantation and f...
Researchers have enhanced microvascular sensitivity using ultrafast ultrasound, capturing the three-dimensional vascular network of renal arteries and veins without contrast agents. This technique reveals sharp decreases in renal blood flow during acute renal failure and chronic vascular degeneration in diabetic nephropathy.
Researchers from the University of Leicester have discovered that 'synchronic' thermal fluctuations are responsible for friction in superlubricity. By lowering surface temperature, they can lower friction forces, opening doors to industrial applications with reduced energy consumption.
The Lehigh University Plasma Control Group is working on advanced controls and machine learning to improve plasma dynamics simulation capabilities and stabilize superheated gases in future reactors. The goal is to address technological issues with ITER and FPP, ensuring safe and controllable operation.