A unique new material that shrinks when heated and expands when cooled could help enable the ultra-stable space telescopes that future NASA missions require to search for habitable worlds. One of the goals of NASA’s Astrophysics Division is to determine whether we’re alone in the universe. NASA’s astrophysics missions seek to answer this question by identifying planets … [Read more...] about New alloy could enable exoplanet discovery
Materials
New methodology for 3D braiding machine design unveiled
Researchers from Donghua University in China and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver have introduced a novel design methodology for 3D rotary braiding machines, offering a significant step forward in the production of complex geometric textile composites. Their work details a programmable design approach based on circle-cutting and combination strategies that … [Read more...] about New methodology for 3D braiding machine design unveiled
AI can create climate-friendly cement recipes in seconds
Researchers in Switzerland have found a way to dramatically cut cement’s carbon footprint by redesigning its recipe. Their system simulates thousands of ingredient combinations, pinpointing those that keep cement strong while emitting far less carbon dioxide in seconds. The cement industry produces around eight percent of global CO2 emissions – more than the entire aviation … [Read more...] about AI can create climate-friendly cement recipes in seconds
A new metal design for solid-state batteries
A research team at Georgia Institute of Technology has designed a new metal for solid-state batteries that enables operation at lower pressures. While lithium metal is often used in these batteries, the team – the research group of Matthew McDowell, professor and Carter N Paden Jr distinguished chair in the George W Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and the School of … [Read more...] about A new metal design for solid-state batteries
New study to explore fire safety in hybrid timber–steel buildings
New research at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand into hybrid timber–steel construction could help make housing cheaper and safer. Led by associate professor Anthony Abu, the research team hopes to resolve fire safety concerns that have so far restricted the wider adoption of hybrid timber buildings. ‘We believe our research programme can remove the fire-safety … [Read more...] about New study to explore fire safety in hybrid timber–steel buildings