news 2018
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Mechanical Engineering - 19.12.2018
Life Sciences - Mechanical Engineering - 27.11.2018 
How cells generate forces
When an organism develops, masses of cells combine to form different types of tissue, all of which have different functions. In order to be able to form and to move, a cell needs to generate mechanical forces by remodelling its cytoskeleton, which consists of various filaments. Filaments from the actin protein, for example, contract and expand.
Mechanical Engineering - Chemistry - 21.11.2018 
Engineers fly first-ever plane with no moving parts
The silent, lightweight aircraft doesn't depend on fossil fuels or batteries. Now MIT engineers have built and flown the first-ever plane with no moving parts. Instead of propellers or turbines, the light aircraft is powered by an "ionic wind" - a silent but mighty flow of ions that is produced aboard the plane, and that generates enough thrust to propel the plane over a sustained, steady flight.
Materials Science - Mechanical Engineering - 02.11.2018
Mechanical Engineering - 31.10.2018 
A new approach to liquid-repelling surfaces
Novel surface design overcomes problem of condensation that bedeviled previous systems. "Omniphobic" might sound like a way to describe someone who is afraid of everything, but it actually refers to a special type of surface that repels virtually any liquid. Such surfaces could potentially be used in everything from ship hulls that reduce drag and increase efficiency, to coverings that resist stains and protect against damaging chemicals.
Mechanical Engineering - 11.09.2018
Mechanical Engineering - 31.08.2018 
A new way to remove ice buildup without power or chemicals
Passive solar-powered system could prevent freezing on airplanes, wind turbines, powerlines, and other surfaces. From airplane wings to overhead powerlines to the giant blades of wind turbines, a buildup of ice can cause problems ranging from impaired performance all the way to catastrophic failure.
Physics - Mechanical Engineering - 30.08.2018 
Researchers 3-D print colloidal crystals
Technique could be used to scale-up self-assembled materials for use as optical sensors, color displays, and light-guided electronics. MIT engineers have united the principles of self-assembly and 3-D printing using a new technique, which they highlight today in the journal Advanced Materials . By their direct-write colloidal assembly process, the researchers can build centimeter-high crystals, each made from billions of individual colloids, defined as particles that are between 1 nanometer and 1 micrometer across.
Mechanical Engineering - Chemistry - 16.08.2018
Physics - Mechanical Engineering - 08.08.2018 
Engineers develop world’s most efficient semiconductor material for thermal management
Researchers at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering have developed a new semiconductor material — defect-free boron arsenide — that is more effective at drawing and dissipating waste heat than any other known semiconductor or metal materials. Managing heat in electronics is one of the biggest challenges in optimizing performance, in part because as as transistors become smaller, more heat is generated within the same footprint, which in turn slows down processor speeds, in particular at "hot spots" on the chips where that heat concentrates.
Life Sciences - Mechanical Engineering - 17.07.2018 
Dragonfly Larvae Inspire New Designs for Prosthetic Heart Valves
A new understanding of the mechanics of dragonfly larvae respiration and maneuvering could lead to the next generation of prosthetic heart valves, say Caltech engineers.
Physics - Mechanical Engineering - 06.07.2018 
Kirigami-inspired technique manipulates light at the nanoscale
Nanokirigami has taken off as a field of research in the last few years; the approach is based on the ancient arts of origami (making 3-D shapes by folding paper) and kirigami (which allows cutting as well as folding) but applied to flat materials at the nanoscale, measured in billionths of a meter.
Physics - Mechanical Engineering - 27.06.2018 
Quantum Mechanics: Entanglements In Ultracold Atomic Clouds
A system's state is characterised as entangled or quantum correlated if two or more particles cannot be described as a combination of separate, independent states but only as a whole. Researchers at the Kirchhoff Institute for Physics of Heidelberg University recently succeeded in verifying so-called non-local quantum correlations between ultracold clouds of rubidium atoms.
Mechanical Engineering - Physics - 22.06.2018
Computer Science - Mechanical Engineering - 20.06.2018
Mechanical Engineering - Environment - 04.06.2018
Mechanical Engineering - Chemistry - 04.06.2018 
The underwater adhesive
A special formula for epoxy resins has been developed at TU Wien, which can be used for fibre-reinforced composites in aerospace, shipbuilding and automotive manufacturing, or even for underwater renovation. This is achieved merely by irradiating any part of the resin with light. Within seconds the new material can be completely transformed.
Environment - Mechanical Engineering - 17.05.2018
Mechanical Engineering - Physics - 13.05.2018 
Going with the flow
Is sand a solid, a liquid, or a gas' It's a question that has plagued scientist for centuries. If a jogger runs on a beach, sand acts as a solid and supports their weight. Put it in an hourglass, and sand pours through the nozzle, much like a liquid. If a child in a sandbox trips and kicks up a cloud of sand, the separated grains collide and interact as though it's a gas.
Physics - Mechanical Engineering - 11.05.2018
Mechanical Engineering
Results 1 - 20 of 33.
3D-printed robot hand ’plays’ the piano
Scientists have developed a 3D-printed robotic hand which can play simple musical phrases on the piano by just moving its wrist. And while the robot is no virtuoso, it demonstrates just how challenging it is to replicate all the abilities of a human hand, and how much complex movement can still be achieved through design.
Scientists have developed a 3D-printed robotic hand which can play simple musical phrases on the piano by just moving its wrist. And while the robot is no virtuoso, it demonstrates just how challenging it is to replicate all the abilities of a human hand, and how much complex movement can still be achieved through design.
When an organism develops, masses of cells combine to form different types of tissue, all of which have different functions. In order to be able to form and to move, a cell needs to generate mechanical forces by remodelling its cytoskeleton, which consists of various filaments. Filaments from the actin protein, for example, contract and expand.
The silent, lightweight aircraft doesn't depend on fossil fuels or batteries. Now MIT engineers have built and flown the first-ever plane with no moving parts. Instead of propellers or turbines, the light aircraft is powered by an "ionic wind" - a silent but mighty flow of ions that is produced aboard the plane, and that generates enough thrust to propel the plane over a sustained, steady flight.
Identifies how 3D printed metals can be both strong and ductile
A new technique by which to 3D print metals, involving a widely used stainless steel, has been shown to achieve exceptional levels of both strength and ductility, when compared to counterparts from more conventional processes. The findings, published in Materials Today , outline how a joint research team from the University of Birmingham, UK, Stockholm University, Sweden and Zhejiang University, China were able to optimizing the process parameters during 3D printing to achieve the results.
A new technique by which to 3D print metals, involving a widely used stainless steel, has been shown to achieve exceptional levels of both strength and ductility, when compared to counterparts from more conventional processes. The findings, published in Materials Today , outline how a joint research team from the University of Birmingham, UK, Stockholm University, Sweden and Zhejiang University, China were able to optimizing the process parameters during 3D printing to achieve the results.
Novel surface design overcomes problem of condensation that bedeviled previous systems. "Omniphobic" might sound like a way to describe someone who is afraid of everything, but it actually refers to a special type of surface that repels virtually any liquid. Such surfaces could potentially be used in everything from ship hulls that reduce drag and increase efficiency, to coverings that resist stains and protect against damaging chemicals.
Security flaws leave keyless Tesla cars vulnerable to theft
A team of researchers at COSIC, an imec research group at the University of Leuven, has uncovered serious security flaws in the Passive Keyless Entry and Start (PKES) system used by some luxury vehicles. The study shows that the key fob (the unlocking device) used by the Tesla Model S is using out-dated and inadequate cryptography.
A team of researchers at COSIC, an imec research group at the University of Leuven, has uncovered serious security flaws in the Passive Keyless Entry and Start (PKES) system used by some luxury vehicles. The study shows that the key fob (the unlocking device) used by the Tesla Model S is using out-dated and inadequate cryptography.
Passive solar-powered system could prevent freezing on airplanes, wind turbines, powerlines, and other surfaces. From airplane wings to overhead powerlines to the giant blades of wind turbines, a buildup of ice can cause problems ranging from impaired performance all the way to catastrophic failure.
Technique could be used to scale-up self-assembled materials for use as optical sensors, color displays, and light-guided electronics. MIT engineers have united the principles of self-assembly and 3-D printing using a new technique, which they highlight today in the journal Advanced Materials . By their direct-write colloidal assembly process, the researchers can build centimeter-high crystals, each made from billions of individual colloids, defined as particles that are between 1 nanometer and 1 micrometer across.
3D Printing the Next Generation of Batteries
Rahul Panat, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, and a team of CMU researchers in collaboration with Missouri University of Science and Technology have developed a revolutionary new method of 3D printing battery electrodes that creates a 3D microlattice structure with controlled porosity.
Rahul Panat, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, and a team of CMU researchers in collaboration with Missouri University of Science and Technology have developed a revolutionary new method of 3D printing battery electrodes that creates a 3D microlattice structure with controlled porosity.
Researchers at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering have developed a new semiconductor material — defect-free boron arsenide — that is more effective at drawing and dissipating waste heat than any other known semiconductor or metal materials. Managing heat in electronics is one of the biggest challenges in optimizing performance, in part because as as transistors become smaller, more heat is generated within the same footprint, which in turn slows down processor speeds, in particular at "hot spots" on the chips where that heat concentrates.
A new understanding of the mechanics of dragonfly larvae respiration and maneuvering could lead to the next generation of prosthetic heart valves, say Caltech engineers.
Nanokirigami has taken off as a field of research in the last few years; the approach is based on the ancient arts of origami (making 3-D shapes by folding paper) and kirigami (which allows cutting as well as folding) but applied to flat materials at the nanoscale, measured in billionths of a meter.
A system's state is characterised as entangled or quantum correlated if two or more particles cannot be described as a combination of separate, independent states but only as a whole. Researchers at the Kirchhoff Institute for Physics of Heidelberg University recently succeeded in verifying so-called non-local quantum correlations between ultracold clouds of rubidium atoms.
What causes the sound of a dripping tap - and how do you stop it?
Scientists have solved the riddle behind one of the most recognisable, and annoying, household sounds: the dripping tap. And crucially, they have also identified a simple solution to stop it, which most of us already have in our kitchens. We were all surprised that no one had actually answered the question of what causes the sound.
Scientists have solved the riddle behind one of the most recognisable, and annoying, household sounds: the dripping tap. And crucially, they have also identified a simple solution to stop it, which most of us already have in our kitchens. We were all surprised that no one had actually answered the question of what causes the sound.
Driving Toward the Intersection of 3D Printing and Machine Learning
Applications of metal additive manufacturing, otherwise known as 3D printing, have primarily been confined to prototyping, but researchers are now pushing closer to developing metal 3D printing as a reliable form of industrial manufacturing. However, major obstacles still need to be addressed, especially in high-risk applications such as aviation components.
Applications of metal additive manufacturing, otherwise known as 3D printing, have primarily been confined to prototyping, but researchers are now pushing closer to developing metal 3D printing as a reliable form of industrial manufacturing. However, major obstacles still need to be addressed, especially in high-risk applications such as aviation components.
Experts build pulsed air rig to test 3D printed parts for low carbon engines
Researchers designed a unique facility for testing 3D printed engine parts, to help reduce carbon emissions worldwide. The new Transient Air System Rig (TASR) was designed and built by Dr Aaron Costall and his team from Imperial College London's Department of Mechanical Engineering. The researchers hope it will help makers of large off-road and freight vehicles reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) they produce.
Researchers designed a unique facility for testing 3D printed engine parts, to help reduce carbon emissions worldwide. The new Transient Air System Rig (TASR) was designed and built by Dr Aaron Costall and his team from Imperial College London's Department of Mechanical Engineering. The researchers hope it will help makers of large off-road and freight vehicles reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) they produce.
A special formula for epoxy resins has been developed at TU Wien, which can be used for fibre-reinforced composites in aerospace, shipbuilding and automotive manufacturing, or even for underwater renovation. This is achieved merely by irradiating any part of the resin with light. Within seconds the new material can be completely transformed.
Consumers quickly learn what environmentally friendly looks like
Without realizing it, our brains quickly learn to associate certain visual cues - a curve of a car or color of a product - with certain attributes, such as its environmental friendliness. You can't judge a book by its cover, goes the saying. Yet, that's exactly what people do, according to new research from Stanford mechanical engineer Erin MacDonald and visiting researcher Ping Du.
Without realizing it, our brains quickly learn to associate certain visual cues - a curve of a car or color of a product - with certain attributes, such as its environmental friendliness. You can't judge a book by its cover, goes the saying. Yet, that's exactly what people do, according to new research from Stanford mechanical engineer Erin MacDonald and visiting researcher Ping Du.
Is sand a solid, a liquid, or a gas' It's a question that has plagued scientist for centuries. If a jogger runs on a beach, sand acts as a solid and supports their weight. Put it in an hourglass, and sand pours through the nozzle, much like a liquid. If a child in a sandbox trips and kicks up a cloud of sand, the separated grains collide and interact as though it's a gas.
Shen Puts High-Tech Spin on Polymers
Strong, lightweight, thermal nanofibers could be used in many industries Sheng Shen is Carnegie Mellon University's Spiderman. When the associate professor of mechanical engineering talks about his work with polymer nanofibers, he compares it to a spider spinning its web. "Just as a spider synthesizes silk from protein polymer to form a fiber with strength similar to high tensile steel, polymers can be spun and drawn to form high-strength materials with exceptionally high thermal conductivity," said Shen, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.
Strong, lightweight, thermal nanofibers could be used in many industries Sheng Shen is Carnegie Mellon University's Spiderman. When the associate professor of mechanical engineering talks about his work with polymer nanofibers, he compares it to a spider spinning its web. "Just as a spider synthesizes silk from protein polymer to form a fiber with strength similar to high tensile steel, polymers can be spun and drawn to form high-strength materials with exceptionally high thermal conductivity," said Shen, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.
