Tech Briefs

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A comprehensive library of technical briefs from engineering experts at NASA and major government, university, and commercial laboratories covering all aspects of innovations in electronics, software, photonics, imaging, motion control, automation, sensors, test, materials, manufacturing, mechanical, and mechatronics.

Briefs: Aerospace
Method Detects Onset of Destructive Oscillations in Aircraft Turbines
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Ultra-Thin, Energy-Efficient Photodetector Integrated with Gorilla Glass
Briefs: Medical
Early Warning System for COVID-19 and Flu Using Wearables
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Top Stories

Blog: Software

How to Bring Digital Twins to 'Any System'

INSIDER: Photonics/Optics

Infrared Imaging by Ultrathin Nanocrystal Layers

Blog: Transportation

Self-Driving Model Navigates a Tough Traffic Problem: Narrow Streets

Videos: Automotive

Structural Battery for Lighter Aircraft and Electric Cars

Blog: Test & Measurement

How to Contain Thermal Runaway

Videos: Lighting

Bendy Ice Uncurls Without Breaking

Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Motion Control
Algorithm Gives Robots a Faster Grasp
The algorithm speeds up the planning process robots use to adjust their grip on objects for picking and sorting or tool use.
Briefs: Packaging & Sterilization
Alkaline Hydrogel Advances Skin Wound Care
A novel method was developed to produce an alkaline hydrogel that could improve wound healing.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Smartphone App Hears Ear Infections in Children
The app detects fluid behind the eardrum using a piece of paper and a smartphone’s microphone and speaker.
Briefs: Imaging
In-Line, Automated CT Scan Data Inspection of Electronic Connectors
A production-based X-ray solution performs product quality evaluation directly on the manufacturing line.
Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
Green Method for Producing Hydrogen Peroxide
This portable method could enable hospitals to make their own supply of the disinfectant on demand and at lower cost.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Generation of Polystyrene Latex Spheres with Incorporated Fluorescent Dyes
Microspheres are used in wind tunnel experiments to monitor airflow, to stain biological samples, and in time-delayed drug release.
Briefs: Automotive
Carbon Fiber Structural Battery for “Mass-Less” Energy Storage in Vehicles
The carbon fiber serves as the electrode, conductor, and load-bearing material.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Designing Soft Materials that Mimic Biological Functions
The soft material demonstrates autonomous, heartbeat-like oscillating properties.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Flywheel Energy Storage Continues to Advance Green Initiatives
Flywheels offer an environmentally and financially sound choice for protecting critical operations.
Briefs: Medical
International Space Station Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED)
Terrestrial uses include physical therapy, clinical diagnosis, athletic training and performance, and robust exercise equipment.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Electronic Tattoo Enables Uninterrupted Heart Monitoring for Extended Periods
This wearable device is placed on the skin to measure a variety of body responses, from electrical to biomechanical signals.
Briefs: Unmanned Systems
High-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Monitoring Meteorological Parameters
The system uses infrasonic acoustics for weather monitoring and for drone or UAV activity.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Drones Use Machine Learning to Detect Landmines
Dangerous “butterfly” landmines can be detected using low-cost drones and infrared cameras.
Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Light-Based “Tractor Beam” Assembles Materials at the Nanoscale
The size and shape of the nanostructure can be controlled as it is assembled piece by piece.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Nature-Inspired, Manufactured, Non-Cuttable Material
The material could be used in security, health, industrial, and safety applications.
Briefs: Materials
Liquid Metal Lattice
The new metal lattice material can be used to create models that regain shape after being crushed.
Briefs: Aerospace
Insect-Sized Agile Drones
These tiny aerial robots can operate in cramped spaces and withstand collisions.
Briefs: Materials
High-Performance, Energy-Absorbing Material
The new material could provide efficient and reusable protection from shock, vibration, and explosion.
Briefs: Materials
Antibacterial Gel Bandage Using Yeast
The gel works even at freezing temperatures and contains natural antimicrobial compounds derived from durian husk.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Servo Motion Improves Robot Operations
Servo motion control delivers powerful, fast, and precise movement onboard robots and for associated equipment.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Magnet-Controlled Bioelectronic Implant for Relieving Pain
This could make possible embedded devices like a spinal cord-stimulating unit with a battery-powered magnetic transmitter on a wearable belt.
Briefs: Energy
Photovoltaic Solar Cell Works at Night
This cell could potentially operate around the clock, balancing the power grid over the day-night cycle.
Briefs: Materials
Copolyimide Surface-Modifying Coating
The coating repels insects on aircraft wing surfaces and motor vehicles and reduces surface imperfections on other low-friction or non-stick surfaces.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
GPS-Enhanced Onboard Navigation System (GEONS)
The open-architecture flight software package provides solutions for onboard orbit determination.
Briefs: Aerospace
Pyroelectric Sandwich Thermal Energy Harvester
The technology harvests electrical energy from waste heat sources.
Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
Eco-Friendly Technique Upcycles Metal Waste into Multipurpose Aerogels
Potential applications include lightweight building materials and growing cells for biomedical purposes.
Briefs: Energy
Winglet with Injected Flow
Injection of air at the trailing edge of a winglet further reduces drag.
Briefs: Aerospace
Overhang Support Designs for Powder-Based Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM)
The supports enable the production of higher-quality, less-expensive parts via additive manufacturing.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Electrolyte Boost Improves Performance of Aqueous Dual-Ion Batteries
New cell chemistry utilizes less costly and more abundant materials than lithium-ion batteries.
Question of the Week
Will ‘Sweat Power’ Make Wearables Mainstream?

Webcasts

On-Demand Webinars: Automotive

Making Cost an Attribute in Electric Vehicle Development

Upcoming Webinars: Electronics & Computers

Maximizing Power in High-Reliability Applications – Applying...

Upcoming Webinars: Medical

The Pathway to Successful Device Development

Upcoming Webinars: Test & Measurement

How to Protect Your Projects from Moisture and Pressure: 5 Common...

Upcoming Webinars: Motion Control

Crucial Considerations When Choosing the Right Enclosure for Your...

Upcoming Webinars: Photonics/Optics

Advanced Components to Enhance Laser System Performance

Trending Stories

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

A Guide to Collaborative Robot Safety

NASA Spinoff: Aerospace

Nanotechnology Repairs Engine Damage in Cars

INSIDER: Physical Sciences

This Advance May Enable 2D Transistors for Tinier Microchip Components

INSIDER: Photonics/Optics

Infrared Imaging by Ultrathin Nanocrystal Layers

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Comparison Between Wave Soldering and Reflow Soldering

Briefs: Medical

Specialized Dye Enables Medical Information to be Stored Below the Skin

Videos