Tag: techxplore

Engineers design origami structures that change shape and stiffness on demand Princeton engineers are twisting, stretching and creasing structures to create a new type of origami, one that changes its shape and properties in response to changing circumstances. The new method could be useful for prosthetics, antennas and other devices. Go to techxplore

Space-time computational modeling delivers high-precision solutions for complex engineering challenges When most people think of computer simulations, they imagine sleek graphics or Hollywood-style animations. But for Tayfun Tezduyar, the James F. Barbour Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University, accuracy is everything. Go to techxplore

A path to higher as-built ductility in printable aluminum alloys Most aluminum alloys made through additive manufacturing (AM) have very limited as-built ductility, which may lead to the adoption of more expensive, heavier alternative materials in applications such as automotive and aerospace parts. Limited ductility in AM alloys can originate from specific AM processing defects…

Octopus-like design improves underwater vehicle maneuverability University of Iowa researchers have reported a key advance in the ease of flow and maneuverability for underwater vehicles. Go to techxplore

Unlocking the power of passivation for perovskite silicon tandem solar cells An international research team of photovoltaics scientists has taken a crucial step toward the industrialization of perovskite silicon tandem solar cells. They demonstrated that passivation of the perovskite top cell is possible in combination with textured silicon bottom cells featuring a large pyramid size,…

Super-sensitive sensor detects tiny hydrogen leaks in seconds for safer energy use Researchers at the University of Missouri are working to make hydrogen energy as safe as possible. As more countries and industries invest heavily in cleaner, renewable energy, hydrogen-powered factories and vehicles are gaining in popularity. But hydrogen fuel comes with risks—leaks can lead…

Bio-oil made from crop and wood waste could plug orphaned fossil fuel wells Filling abandoned oil and gas wells with bio-oil made from plant-based leftovers like corn stalks and forest debris could help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, returning carbon underground in deep shafts once used to extract it. Go to techxplore

Solar-boosted system turns wasted data center heat into clean power When you stream a movie, back up a photo or ask ChatGPT a question, somewhere a data center is working hard—and getting hot. Cooling those facilities already consumes a huge share of their electricity, and nearly half of that energy leaves as low-temperature waste heat…

Metal organic frameworks enable a key step toward greener lighting and display technologies Scientists at Oregon State University have taken a big step toward lighting and display technologies that are more energy efficient and better for the planet. The work centers around crystalline, porous materials known as metal organic frameworks, often abbreviated as MOFs, and…

3D-printed smart materials boost tactile sensor performance in wearable devices Tactile sensors are widely used in robotics, prosthetics, wearable devices, and health care monitoring. These devices detect and convert external stimuli such as pressure and force into electrical signals, facilitating effective environmental detection. Go to techxplore

Integrated terrestrial/satellite 6G hyper-space communication successful in real-time flight tests For the first time, Korean researchers have successfully demonstrated a 6G hyper-space communication technology that integrates terrestrial and satellite networks. As a core infrastructure for the future 6G era, it is being evaluated as a green light for securing the lead in 6G international standardization.…

Welsh mine microbes mapped to help heat homes Welsh scientists have mapped the hidden microbes thriving in south Wales’s abandoned coal mines, helping to overcome obstacles to using mine water to heat Britain’s homes. Go to techxplore

Minimal 3D model reveals fundamental mechanisms behind toughening of soft–hard composites Engineers have long grappled with a fundamental challenge: creating materials that are both strong and tough enough to resist deformation and prevent fractures. These two properties typically exist in opposition, as materials that excel in one area often fail in the other. Go to…

Real-time technique directly images material failure in 3D to improve nuclear reactor safety and longevity MIT researchers have developed a technique that enables real-time, 3D monitoring of corrosion, cracking, and other material failure processes inside a nuclear reactor environment. Go to techxplore

Tiny defects deliver big gains: Controlling oxygen vacancies boosts thermoelectric efficiency by 91% A research team has dramatically enhanced the efficiency of converting heat into electricity. The key lies in controlling tiny defects known as oxygen vacancies. Go to techxplore

Eco-friendly composite fibers offer durable, multifunctional air filtration for industry As industries including coal chemical processing, oil and gas refining, and semiconductor manufacturing undergo technological upgrading, the demand for advanced air filtration technologies and materials has surged—driven by the dual need to safeguard production processes and support environmental sustainability. Go to techxplore

Two-step annealing process boosts silicon carbide device efficiency and reliability Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a novel technique to enhance the performance and reliability of silicon carbide (SiC) metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices, a key component in power electronics. This breakthrough utilizes a unique two-step annealing process involving diluted hydrogen, to eliminate unnecessary impurities…

Fiber technology achieves high-purity CO₂ capture with smartphone-level power consumption Direct air capture (DAC) is a technology that filters out carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere at extremely low concentrations (below 400 ppm). A KAIST research team has now succeeded in capturing more than 95% high-purity carbon dioxide using only low power at the level…

3D printing method crafts customizable foods for people who have trouble swallowing In rapidly aging societies like Japan, the simple act of swallowing meals can be challenging for many. This condition, known as dysphagia, affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly deteriorate a person’s quality of life. While texture-modified foods like purées can make…

Fast charging zinc-ion batteries to flip a foundational belief in battery design Fast charging a battery is supposed to be risky—a shortcut that leads to battery breakdown. But for a Georgia Tech team studying zinc-ion batteries, fast charging led to a breakthrough: It made the battery stronger. This result could revolutionize how we power homes,…

Researchers release new standards for 3D printing with powders One of the most common industrial 3D printing processes is laser powder bed fusion. It is mainly used for complex, heavy-duty components in aerospace, medical technology, and toolmaking. Go to techxplore

Researchers develop hook-and-loop fastener for building components An interdisciplinary research team at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) has developed a hook-and-loop fastening system for buildings in the ReCon project together with company partners. This allows different parts of a building to be resiliently connected and, if necessary, easily separated from each other. Go to…

Ultrasonic device efficiently removes salt from sea sand for construction use The Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) has developed an ultrasonic washing device that effectively removes salt (NaCl) from sea sand. KIOST’s research and validation results have been published in Scientific Reports. Go to techxplore

Self-propelled ice could be the green power of the future Scientists from Virginia Tech have discovered a way to make ice move on its own. It’s not a magic trick or a supernatural occurrence but a clever engineering feat. The team designed a flat metal surface that allows ice disks to slide across it without…