Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Bubble control

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has developed an experimental setup to precisely adjust the distance between microbubbles, enabling the manipulation of liquid flows. By controlling bubble vibrations, they were able to synchronize their movements and alter the surrounding flow, providing a new fluid control tool for medical an...

SourceKyoto University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2025

Physics reveals the optimal roof ratios for energy efficiency

Researchers found that roofs with shorter peak heights (less than three feet) should be wider to minimize heat loss, while taller peaks require equilateral triangles with a specific height-to-width ratio. These findings are similar to those seen in ancient architecture across the world.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2025

Relax, I'm cool

Researchers at Kyoto University develop thermomajorization theory to unify different distance measures, eliminating ambiguities in previous studies. The approach reveals the Mpemba effect is not restricted to specific temperature ranges, but can emerge across a wide spectrum of thermal conditions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 21, 2025

New study sheds light on risks from residential heat and energy burdens in Miami

A new study reveals that many residents in Miami-Dade County face dual challenges of dangerously hot homes and unaffordable cooling costs, driving health and well-being risks. The research identifies four pathways explaining which households are burdened by poor building or air conditioner quality, low income, or household factors.

A hot droplet can bounce across a cool pan, too

Researchers discovered that hot and burning droplets can bounce off cool surfaces due to the formation of an invisible air cushion. This phenomenon has potential applications in slowing fire spread and improving engine efficiency.

SourceCell Press·JournalNewton·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2025

New insights into acoustic bubbles give boost to future applications

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have found key indicators for assessing chemical activity and temperature of active bubbles generated by ultrasonic waves. The study provides new insights into the relationship between bubble temperature and chemical activity, enabling more precise control of chemical reactions.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalUltrasonics Sonochemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2025

Innovative smart window technology balances heat and visibility control

A new smart window technology combines liquid crystals with nanoporous microparticles and a patterned vanadium dioxide layer to simultaneously control visible light and infrared radiation. The device offers fast, efficient heat and visibility management, marking a significant step forward in energy-efficient building design.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJan 9, 2025

Revolutionizing heat management with high-performance cerium oxide thermal switches

A research team at Hokkaido University developed novel cerium oxide-based thermal switches, surpassing prior benchmarks with high efficiency and sustainability. The switches feature a new benchmark for electrochemical thermal switches, offering broad applications in industries such as electronics cooling and renewable energy systems.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 1, 2025

Towards smart cities: Integrating ground source heat pump systems with energy piles

The integration of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems with energy piles offers a promising solution to address the growing urban heat island effect and reduce electricity consumption in smart cities. This technology provides efficient heating and cooling, reduces carbon emissions, and promotes sustainable urban development.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSmart Cities·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 16, 2024

Unlocking next-gen chip efficiency: UVA researchers confirm thermal insights for tiny circuits

Researchers at UVA confirmed a key principle governing heat flow in thin metal films, providing a breakthrough in understanding thermal conductivity. The validation of Matthiessen's rule paves the way for refining materials that interconnect circuits in advanced computer chips.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2024

ISS National Lab publication highlights groundbreaking physical science research in space

Researchers on the ISS National Lab have leveraged microgravity to study fundamental physical phenomena, such as heat transfer, combustion, and fluid dynamics. These discoveries hold potential for advances in pharmaceuticals, energy production, materials manufacturing, and more.

SourceInternational Space Station U.S. National Laboratory·JournalGravitational and Space Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 26, 2024

How humans evolved to be ‘energetically unique’

A new Harvard study finds humans possess higher metabolic rates than primates and apes, allowing for bigger brains, longer lifespan, and increased reproduction. Humans have 'escaped a tradeoff' between resting and active metabolism due to unique sweating ability.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2024

Review of thermal design of SiC power module for motor drive in electrical vehicle application

The paper reviews thermal design of SiC power modules for motor drives in electric vehicles, focusing on optimizing irregular Pinfin structures and collaborative design with DC bus capacitors and motors. Irregular Pinfin arrangements can enhance heat transfer efficiency and reduce pressure drops compared to regular layouts.

SourceCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·JournalCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 5, 2024

Unlocking next-gen chip efficiency: UVA researchers confirm thermal insights for tiny circuits

Researchers at the University of Virginia have confirmed a key principle governing heat flow in thin metal films, paving the way for advancements in technology and more efficient devices. The study validated Matthiessen's rule in ultra-thin copper films, providing a blueprint to mitigate thermal bottlenecks.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

UVA engineering professor secures federal small business grant to improve heat management in advanced microelectronics

Professor Patrick E. Hopkins of UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science has secured a $289,830 Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop a precise tool for measuring heat movement in microchips. The technology will enhance cooling and prevent overheating in next-generation devices.

Demand-side actions could help construction sector deliver on net-zero targets

A new study suggests that using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies can enable Europe's construction sector to almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. Employing technologies like solar energy and heat pumps can reduce total energy used for heating and cooling buildings by up to 97%.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2024

Revolutionizing thermoelectric technology: Hourglass-shaped materials achieve a 360% efficiency boost

Researchers at POSTECH have developed an innovative approach to enhance the efficiency of thermoelectric materials by altering their geometry to resemble an hourglass shape. This breakthrough could lead to widespread applications in thermoelectric power generation, converting waste heat into electricity.

PolyU researchers invent intelligent soft robotic clothing for automatic thermal adaptation in extreme heat

Researchers at PolyU have developed a new type of thermally-insulated and breathable soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures. This innovative clothing uses soft actuators to trap a layer of air and increase thermal resistance, reducing heat stress and discomfort in high-temperature environments.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2024

Revolutionary loop heat pipe transports 10 kW of waste heat — No electricity required

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a loop heat pipe that can transport up to 10 kW of waste heat without electricity, surpassing previous records. This technology has significant implications for energy efficiency and sustainability, particularly in the electric vehicle industry where it can reduce the need for electrical power.

SourceNagoya University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateAug 1, 2024