Articles tagged with Structural Engineering
Scientists explore the dynamics of soft materials like toothpaste and hair gel using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS). The technique reveals microscopic dynamics and helps understand properties like viscosity and elasticity. Insights gained can aid in designing consumer products, nanotechnologies, and drug delivery systems.
Researchers developed a novel three-core optical fiber sensor to accurately measure both the magnitude and direction of spine curvature. The sensor offers advantages like low cost, high sensitivity, and small size, making it a promising tool for doctors to diagnose problems in spine curvature.
Researchers used the Advanced Photon Source to study asteroid fragments from Ryugu, finding they were made of water and carbon dioxide ice. The analysis suggests the asteroid formed over 4 billion years ago in the outer solar system, with a hydrated interior and dryer surface.
A multidisciplinary team at UC San Diego received NSF funding to create a system that remotely monitors patient posture, movement, and physical therapy treatments using wearable technology and machine learning. The goal is to enable personalized physical therapy treatments and improve health outcomes.
A new study examines the impact of sea level rise on building foundations and proposes a method for inspection and repair to lower costs. The researchers estimate that the annual repair cost for foundations in Mobile, Alabama, could total $90 million by 2100.
Florida Atlantic University receives a three-year NASA grant to develop experiential learning opportunities for South Florida underserved high school students in the STEM fields. The MAA Experiential Learning Opportunities project aims to increase minority students' participation in STEM programs and professions.
Scientists have developed a soft, bioresorbable device that cools peripheral nerves to reduce pain. The device was tested in rat models and found to be effective, reversible, and non-addictive, with potential applications for treating neuropathic pain after surgery.
Scientists at Caltech have developed a framework for designing new materials inspired by the fundamental rules of termite nests. The 'virtual growth program' simulates natural growth patterns and generates disordered geometries with unique mechanical properties.
Engineers use origami to build devices that grow wider as they are pulled apart. Researchers from Princeton and Georgia Tech have developed a general formula analyzing how structures respond to stress, enabling the creation of origami structures with negative Poisson ratios.
The new approach uses a single gantry to print individual or multiple parts simultaneously, increasing printing resolution and size while significantly decreasing printing time. MF3's software optimizes the gantry arm's movement and determines when nozzles should be turned on and off for highest efficiency.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed inflatable actuators that can bend, twist, and move in complex ways using origami-inspired designs. The actuator's bistable origami blocks allow it to perform up to eight different motions with a single pressure source.
Researchers found that two-dimensional ionic liquids exhibit anomalous stepwise melting processes, leading to high CO2 adsorption capacity and structural robustness. This technology could provide a new method for precise control and functional design of liquids, promising various chemical engineering applications.
A research team, led by Rohit Pappu and Anthony Hyman, found that protein molecules form dynamic clusters at low concentrations, which have structures that encode function. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that there is no further structure underlying biomolecular condensates.
Scientists have found that axisymmetric 'spike waves' can exceed previously thought limits on ocean wave height, leading to significant implications for maritime safety. The new research revealed the fundamental mechanisms behind highly directional and crossing waves becoming much larger than others.
Lab-grown plant material can be precisely controlled for physical and mechanical properties, such as stiffness and density. The researchers use a 3D bioprinting process to grow custom shapes and sizes of plant material.
Researchers have developed a new approach to studying RNA molecules using nanotechnology and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), enabling the analysis of RNA subunits with unprecedented resolution. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental research, drug development, and RNA therapeutics.
Researchers at the University of Bristol created a 3D-printed artificial fingertip that produces nerve signals similar to those from human tactile nerves. The innovation could improve robot dexterity and prosthetic hand performance by giving them an in-built sense of touch.
Researchers use DNA to program metal nanoparticles to assemble into new configurations, resulting in the discovery of three new crystalline phases. The approach enables symmetry breaking and creation of complex colloidal crystal structures with unique optical and catalytic properties.
Researchers advocate for a paradigm shift in forecasting corrosion damage within reinforced concrete structures, citing the flaws of using a single theoretical concept. A multiscale, multidisciplinary approach is needed to quantify corrosion rates and develop reliable forecast models.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a key reason for the performance decline of sodium-ion batteries, which are promising candidates for replacing lithium-ion materials. By adjusting synthesis conditions, they can fabricate far superior cathodes that will maintain performance with long-term cycling.
Researchers at the University of Oxford and the University of Pennsylvania have fabricated vibrating nanostrings that resonate at predetermined frequencies. The new approach allows for rapid tuning with higher efficiency, potentially leading to longer-lasting batteries and improved data rates.
Scientists have created a supramolecular template using dendron-assembled structures to synthesize quasi-sub-nanoparticles with controlled atomicity. This approach offers a cost-effective and versatile method for producing a variety of nanostructures.
Researchers created tiny robot bugs that can navigate hard-to-reach spots and inhospitable environments. The robots use polymeric artificial muscle to replicate the jumping movements of small creatures like ants and fleas, enabling them to move across surfaces with ease.
Researchers have discovered that bioprosthetic heart valve patients develop an immune response against foreign sugars in the valves, leading to calcification and deterioration. By genetically engineering these sugars out of the valves, durability can be increased, offering a potential solution for patients.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a hybrid device that combines living organisms with bio batteries to produce stored energy under light conditions. The technology, known as microbial electro photosynthesis, has the potential to power a wide range of products, including transportation fuels and cosmetics.
Researchers found that kitchen sponges provide an optimal environment for microbial diversity by mimicking the separation and communal spaces found in healthy soil. This complex structure supports both solitary and diverse bacterial communities, leading to higher biodiversity levels.
Scientists have simulated the growth of ultra-thin polycrystalline diamond films with promising results. The two-dimensional simulations revealed interesting geometric structures and shed light on how to create robust materials. The research has implications for biomedical science, quantum devices, and other applications.
A new wearable magnetic metamaterial helmet can create better brain scans by boosting MRI performance. It fits over a person's head during a brain scan, creating crisper images that can be captured at twice the normal speed.
Researchers at MIT have engineered a composite made mostly from cellulose nanocrystals, which is stronger and tougher than some types of bone, and harder than typical aluminum alloys. The material has a unique brick-and-mortar microstructure that resembles nacre, making it resistant to cracks and plastic deformation.
The study found that the distinctive pattern on the underside of the leaves is crucial for their size and strength. The unique vascular structure allows the plants to occupy a large surface area while maintaining low biomass.
A team of researchers at Rice University has developed a new method to detect tiny cracks in concrete using silicon fluorescence. The technique involves applying a thin coat of opaque paint to the concrete and shining near-infrared light on it, revealing even the smallest microcracks.
Researchers discovered that humidity-driven movement in spore-bearing leaves is the key mechanism behind the unique timing of spore dispersal in the sensitive fern. The study found that dead fronds open when dry and close when wet due to differential cell expansion, a process also observed in pine cones.
A $4.5 million civil engineering study simulates the impact of explosives on structures using a virtual reality platform to develop strategies for combat operations and protect people. The research, led by Hussam Mahmoud, aims to create more resilient structures that can withstand blasts and other forms of damage.
A preliminary analysis of the condominium building collapse in Surfside, Florida, revealed low punching shear strengths and poor reinforcement detailing in typical slab-column joints. This can lead to a low safety margin, robustness, and resistance to progressive collapse.
Researchers at University of Missouri and University of Chicago develop an artificial material that can respond to its environment, make decisions, and perform actions not directed by humans. The material uses a computer chip to control information processing and convert energy into mechanical energy.
A team of researchers from Japan has developed a platform using nanofibers to capture and control the migration of brain tumor cells, including glioblastoma multiforme. The study found that varying fiber densities can slow or speed up cell movement, leading to the creation of 'cell traps' that can restrict tumor cell growth.
Researchers from South Ural State University discovered the reasons for the stability of salts, attributing it to the properties of electron density distribution. The study reveals the importance of chemical bonding in multi-centre character, paving the way for predicting material properties.
Researchers created a paper-like material that folds itself into new shapes in response to environmental humidity, with potential applications in self-folding envelopes and boxes. The material's ability to morph on demand could lead to the development of autonomous origami robots and other complex shapes.
Researchers developed a novel approach to 3D image segmentation, segmenting the gaps between parts instead of contours, to automate tedious tasks. The technique demonstrates promising results in diagnosing TMJ-related issues and has potential applications in other fields.
Researchers create a novel framework for generating and detecting Lamb waves in transparent materials without damaging the sample. They use laser-induced plasma shock waves and high-speed polarization cameras to spot microscopic scratches, demonstrating potential for non-contact damage detection.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new type of wireless strain sensor that offers improved sensitivity and accuracy. The sensor uses fragmented electrodes to detect changes in electrical resistance or capacitance, allowing for real-time monitoring of material strains.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a class of materials that can change their fundamental architecture, inspired by nature's metamorphosis. The metamorphosis system involves connecting kirigami units to create structures capable of bearing significant weight and transforming into different architectures.
A University of Missouri researcher is using a grant from the National Science Foundation to explore how time can factor in a building collapse. She's conducting thousands of hours of laboratory tests to determine the breaking points of reinforced concrete building materials.
Scientists from Incheon National University identified interzonal airflow across household entrance doors as a dominant factor in calculating heating loads. They found that strong stack effect and weather-driven airflow rates were larger than external infiltration rates, making conventional airtightness measures unreliable.
Dan M. Frangopol, a Lehigh University professor, has made seminal contributions to structural health monitoring by integrating reliability and optimization methods. He has been recognized with the ISHMII Mufti Medal for his lifetime achievements in this field.
A study of over 440,000 U.S. biomedical patents found that all-female inventor teams were 35% more likely to focus on women's health than all-male teams. Female researchers are also more likely to discover female-focused solutions leading to women's health patents.
A Dartmouth Engineering study finds that incorporating renewable energy into the American Electric Power System would boost the grid's ability to withstand attacks and maintain its resilience. The researchers used a novel method called hetero-functional graph theory to analyze over 175,000 energy resources in the US.
A comprehensive map of the citrus microbiome has been created, outlining its structure and potential functions. The study reveals that key microbes dominate different niches of the plant, such as the rhizosphere, rhizoplane, endorhiza, and phyllosphere.
Researchers developed bistable inflatable structures using triangular building blocks that can fold flat and be combined to build closed, multistable shapes. These structures maintain their shape without constant input of pressure, enabling faster deployment and use in various applications.
Researchers at Heidelberg University have created a new reaction pathway to enable the controlled creation of specific optically active defects in carbon nanotubes. These defects emit light in the near-infrared and show single-photon emission, paving the way for applications in quantum cryptography and biological imaging.
Engineers developed a new class of mechanical metamaterials that delocalize deformations to prevent failure. The materials feature a 25-fold enhancement in deformability and an orders-of-magnitude increase in energy absorption.
Researchers develop hierarchical structure for lightweight materials by self-organization, creating a new type of exceptionally strong yet light material. The material's open network structure results in an impressive density reduction and mechanical properties superior to state-of-the-art materials.
Researchers create a 'ship-in-a-bottle structure' by slowly moving reactive components to the surface, where they form stalagmite-like spikes of metal oxides. This process enables purification and recovery of pure and precious metals from alloys in electronic waste.
An international team of researchers solved a puzzling phenomenon involving vortex-like structures in the Cold Spray deposition process. The discovery, published in Materials & Design, reveals that these structures form when the CS process has low deposition efficiency, leading to improved adhesion between coatings and substrates.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new approach to quantum device design, producing the first gain-based long-wavelength infrared photodetector using band structure engineering. The advanced photodetector offers enhanced sensitivity for next-generation LWIR photodetectors and focal plane array imagers.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Lehigh University a $5.3 million grant to renew the NHERI Experimental Facility for another five years. The facility will provide unique experimental resources and data management for studying the effects of natural hazards on civil infrastructure, enabling researchers to develop transformati...
Ali Abolmaali, chair of UTA's civil engineering department, is a recognized authority on computational mechanics and synthetic fiber reinforced concrete pipes. He has secured over $36 million in research funding from various agencies.
Researchers created origami-built metamaterials that retain shape recoverability, directional mechanical properties, and reversible auxeticity. This breakthrough enables multifunctional applications in soft robotics and medical devices.
Researchers at Harvard have developed a fast-moving jumping soft actuator that harnesses the energy released by buckling to achieve speed. The device uses shell buckling similar to toy poppers, enabling it to catapult itself into the air and navigate safely through uncharted landscapes.
The University of Texas at Arlington is collaborating with the city of Coppell to inspect sewer pipelines using robotic technology and machine learning. The project aims to predict the remaining service life of the pipelines, utilizing advanced analysis techniques such as Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.