Materials & Manufacturing

Briefs: Imaging

Novel Flexible Terahertz Camera Can Inspect Objects with Diverse Shapes

A flexible, free-standing THz sensor array images blind ends of irregularly shaped objects.

Briefs: Materials

New Electron Microscopy Technique Offers First Look at Previously Hidden Processes

Northwestern researchers have developed a new microscopy method that allows scientists to see the building blocks of “smart” materials being formed at the nanoscale.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

RFID-Based Rotary Position Sensor

Innovators have developed an RFID-based system for sensing the angular position of rotating systems. The RFID-Based Rotary Position Sensor can be used as a position/orientation sensor or implemented in a...

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Accelerometer and Gyroscope Designs Based on Carbon Nanotube Tape

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center developed designs for two micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) motion and position sensors: a single-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope....

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Medium Entropy Alloy

This additively manufactured alloy is tailored for high-temperature applications.

Briefs: Propulsion

3D-Printed Nanosatellite Thruster Emits Pure Ions

The thruster provides a low-cost, extremely efficient propulsion source for miniature satellites.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Catalyst Makes Styrene Manufacturing Cheaper and Greener

This could reduce the environmental impact of styrene manufacturing.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Tiny 3D-Printed Bricks Enable Bone and Soft Tissue Repair

Flea-sized, hollow blocks can be filled with materials that improve healing.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Extreme Low-Frequency Hydrophone

Applications include monitoring of earthquakes and tsunamis as well as manmade infrasonic sources such as boats.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

3D Printing of Gels and Soft Materials

A new method could jump-start the creation of tiny medical devices for the body.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Cord Tension Measurement Device

Potential applications include parachutes, hot air balloons, weather balloons, blimps, sails, and parasails.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Rapid 3D Printing of Biomedical Parts

The structures’ small size and porosity make them well-suited for building components such as replacement joints.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

2D Materials Capable of Forming Complex 3D Shapes

Synthetic materials can mimic how living organisms expand and contract soft tissues, achieving complex 3D movements and functions.

Briefs: Energy

Cobalt-Free Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The cathodes could enhance energy density of next-generation Li-ion batteries.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Carbon-Based Air Quality Sensor

This affordable, scalable sensor could be a vital tool in the fight against air pollution and its associated health risks.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Pollen-Based Paper Bends and Curls in Response to Humidity

The paper-like material could be useful in soft robots, sensors, artificial muscles, and electric generators.

Briefs: Materials

Turning Diamond into Metal

Normally an insulator, diamond becomes a metallic conductor when subjected to large strain.

Briefs: Materials

Hybrid Propellant Formulation Uses Graphene Foams

This method increases burn rate of solid propellants.

Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing

Smart Aerogel Turns Air into Drinking Water

This invention achieves sustainable freshwater production in a variety of climates at minimal energy cost.

Briefs: Energy

Wafer-Thin Nanopaper Changes from Firm to Soft at the Touch of a Button

Bioinspired cellulose nanofibrils can be controlled by electricity.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Enhancing Hybrid Flow Battery Electrodes with Nanomaterials

This technology provides highly efficient grid-scale electricity storage at a fifth of the cost of current storage technologies.

Briefs: Energy

Nanostructured Alloy for Battery Anodes

The alloy could influence the way energy storage devices are designed and manufactured.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

High-Resolution Multi-Spectral Camera

The intelligent camera features all three resolutions: spatial, temporal, and spectral.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Smartphone-Based Diabetes Detector

This technology could be a low-cost, in-home alternative to blood draws and clinic-based screening tools.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Building Big Data from Little Data

Edge computing, focused applications, and open connectivity let designers start with little data on their digital transformation journey.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Low-Cost Strengthened Glass Substrates

These glass substrates can be used for displays on smartphones and tablets and for other durable, impact-resistant applications.

Briefs: Medical

Ultrasonic Projector

A chip-based technology generates sound profiles with high resolution and intensity to make ultrasound therapy more effective and easier.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Metasurface Focuses Transmissions in the Terahertz Band

Assembling tiny chips into unique programmable surfaces dramatically increases the amount of data wireless systems can transmit.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Materials Capable of Self-Propulsion

Shape and environment can cause materials to move without motors or hands.