Researchers at the University of Birmingham have uncovered an unexpected property of ordinary rice that has led to the development of a new type of mechanical metamaterial with potential applications in robotics, manufacturing and impact protection. The team found that, unlike most granular materials, rice becomes less resistant when compressed quickly. Sand, for example, … [Read more...] about University research develops adaptive metamaterial inspired by rice
Materials
Engineering safer buildings: The latest advances in earthquake-resistant design
The recent earthquakes in Venezuela, which caused widespread structural damage and left thousands affected, have once again highlighted the devastating impact seismic events can have on buildings and infrastructure. While earthquakes themselves cannot be prevented, engineers continue to develop new materials, structural systems and vibration-control technologies designed to … [Read more...] about Engineering safer buildings: The latest advances in earthquake-resistant design
JLR unveils new circular concept vehicle designed to drive down carbon footprint
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has unveiled a new concept demonstrator vehicle that showcases the company’s latest progress in circular design, low‑carbon engineering and next‑generation material innovation. JLR’s engineering and industrial operations teams have collaborated with more than 40 Tier 1 and raw material suppliers to create 49 more sustainable automotive components by … [Read more...] about JLR unveils new circular concept vehicle designed to drive down carbon footprint
Staple-like particles reveal new path to strong materials
A team of engineers and materials scientists in the Paul M Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at University of Colorado Boulder is exploring a new class of materials that’s built on interlocking particles. Their inspiration comes from the behaviour of tightly packed balls of office staples. Try to pull the ball apart and the tangled metal resists like a solid object, … [Read more...] about Staple-like particles reveal new path to strong materials
Innovative, safer all-solid-state sodium battery could cut grid storage costs and reduce lithium dependence
Researchers from the National University of Singapore have developed a safer all-solid-state sodium battery using a low-cost 2D material. According to the researchers, the breakthrough overcomes key safety and durability barriers, advancing sodium batteries as a practical alternative to lithium for large-scale storage. Lithium-ion batteries dominate the market for … [Read more...] about Innovative, safer all-solid-state sodium battery could cut grid storage costs and reduce lithium dependence