Magazine

Briefs: Defense

Design Treatment for Advanced Metals Enables Easier Machining

Applying a surface-active agent makes metal easier to cut and shape into parts and pieces.

Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing

Recovery of Mercury and Rare Earth Elements from Fluorescent Lamp Phosphors

This method will enable safer fluorescent light recycling.

Briefs: Motion Control

Power System for Hybrid Heavy-Duty Trucks

Electric motors and gas-alcohol engines could slash pollution levels and greenhouse gases from long-haul trucks.

5 Ws: Software

5 Ws of 3D Modeling for the Visually Impaired

A touch-based display mimics the geometry of 3D objects designed on a computer.

Briefs: Materials

Ruthenium-Doped Thermoelectric Materials

These robust materials convert excess heat energy into electricity.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Breathable Electronic Skin Using Nanofiber Substrate

This electronic skin can track heart rate, respiration, muscle movement, and other health data.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Optical Window for Far-IR Instruments Using Thin TOPAS® Film

This thin film can be used for ground-based and airborne applications in aircraft, balloons, and other flight missions.

Products: Test & Measurement

New on the Market: January 2020

Processors, imaging sensors, dimensioning systems, and more.

Briefs: Imaging

Dynamic Mechanical Strain-Induced Temperature Gradient Coating

The non-destructive coating has applications in structural health monitoring, aerospace, automotive, and military/defense.

Briefs: Energy

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): Methylotrophic Microorganisms Expressing Soluble Methane Monooxygenase Proteins

This technology enables methane metabolism by yeast.

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

In-House PCB Prototyping with Additive Manufacturing

If you want to pursue in-house PCB prototyping and testing, there are several routes you can take.

Articles: Energy

Products of Tomorrow

Heartbeat-based biometrics, sonic-boom displays, and an artificial leaf.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

SiC-Based Microstructures for Sensors

Ultra-thin SiC microstructures enable batch fabrication of MEMS, NEMS, pressure sensors, and biosensors.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Modular Toolbox Builds Safe Robots

Various components are used to assemble robots that are more aware of their surroundings.

Briefs: Materials

Viable, Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Polystyrene Foam

This plant-based material can be manufactured using water as a solvent instead of other harmful solvents.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Hardening Lightweight Metal Foams with Nanocoating

Load-bearing structures in cars and airplanes could be manufactured from the metal foam.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Process Turns Sand and Plant Materials into a Water Filtration Tool

According to the United Nations, 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and the majority live in developing nations. A process was developed...

NASA Spinoff: Test & Measurement

Vibration Isolator Steadies Optics for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope

Isolators used to control semiconductor manufacturing keep the James Webb Space Telescope steady.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Particle Robot Works as a Cluster of Simple Units

Loosely connected disc-shaped “particles” can push and pull one another, moving together to transport objects.

Briefs: Energy

Wireless Sensor “Stickers” Track Physiological Signals

These stickers wirelessly beam health readings to a receiver clipped onto clothing.

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Five Techniques for Lightweighting: Doing More With Less

Manufacturers in almost every industry are looking to design lighter parts. Here are five lightweighting strategies.

Briefs: Energy

Pinpointing Consumption “Sweet Spot” Makes Formation Flight More Fuel-Efficient

A new method of estimating the optimal trailing aircraft position in a formation increases fuel savings.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

CubeSat Form Factor Thermal Control Louvers

These louvers provide passive thermal cooling for CubeSats.

Briefs: Materials

Magneto-Optic Biosensor Using Bio-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles

This technology is a novel, rugged, and economic diagnostic and sensor platform technology.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Microrobot Powered by Soft Muscles

This microrobot with soft actuators can crash, fall, and collide without being damaged.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Embedded Gas and Temperature Sensors for Extreme Environments

Innovative process control systems for improved efficiency and lower emissions in current and future fossil-fuel-based power systems and related applications require durable, embedded sensor technology that can operate at higher temperatures and in harsh conditions.