Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Access our comprehensive library of technical briefs on mechanical and fluid systems, from engineering experts at NASA and government, university, and commercial laboratories.

Briefs : Aerospace
Flow Disruption Devices for the Reduction of High Lift System Noise
Flow Disruption Devices for the Reduction of High Lift System Noise
This technique lowers airstream noise generated at the side edges of deployed flaps, elevons, or slats.
Flow Disruption Devices for the Reduction of High Lift System Noise
Briefs : Aerospace
Shape Sensing Innovations Dramatically Improve Structural Design Tools
Shape Sensing Innovations Dramatically Improve Structural Design Tools
These advances are useful for transportation, infrastructure, and aerospace.
Shape Sensing Innovations Dramatically Improve Structural Design Tools
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Robotic “Cockroach” Explores Underwater Environments
Robotic “Cockroach” Explores Underwater Environments
This microbot can walk on land, swim, and walk underwater.
Robotic “Cockroach” Explores Underwater Environments
Briefs : Energy
Catalysis Approach Reduces Carbon Dioxide to Methane
Catalysis Approach Reduces Carbon Dioxide to Methane
This approach is a cost-effective way to convert carbon dioxide gas into methane.
Catalysis Approach Reduces Carbon Dioxide to Methane
Briefs : Lighting Technology
Recovery of Mercury and Rare Earth Elements from Fluorescent Lamp Phosphors
Recovery of Mercury and Rare Earth Elements from Fluorescent Lamp Phosphors
This method will enable safer fluorescent light recycling.
Recovery of Mercury and Rare Earth Elements from Fluorescent Lamp Phosphors
Briefs : Semiconductors & ICs
SiC-Based Microstructures for Sensors
SiC-Based Microstructures for Sensors
Ultra-thin SiC microstructures enable batch fabrication of MEMS, NEMS, pressure sensors, and biosensors.
SiC-Based Microstructures for Sensors
Briefs : Robotics, Automation & Control
Modular Toolbox Builds Safe Robots
Modular Toolbox Builds Safe Robots
Various components are used to assemble robots that are more aware of their surroundings.
Modular Toolbox Builds Safe Robots
Briefs : Test & Measurement
Process Turns Sand and Plant Materials into a Water Filtration Tool
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...

Process Turns Sand and Plant Materials into a Water Filtration Tool
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Particle Robot Works as a Cluster of Simple Units
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.
Particle Robot Works as a Cluster of Simple Units
Briefs : Robotics, Automation & Control
Robot Performs Complex Maneuvers
Robot Performs Complex Maneuvers
An upgraded mini robot can leap over obstacles with ease.
Robot Performs Complex Maneuvers
Briefs : Software
The Planetary Tides Simulation Facility for Simulation Tidal Strain in Planetary Ice Analogs
The Planetary Tides Simulation Facility for Simulation Tidal Strain in Planetary Ice Analogs
Applications include modeling of tidal stress response of icy satellites as well as fatigue of terrestrial ice shelves.
The Planetary Tides Simulation Facility for Simulation Tidal Strain in Planetary Ice Analogs
Briefs : Robotics, Automation & Control
Microrobot Powered by Soft Muscles
Microrobot Powered by Soft Muscles
This microrobot with soft actuators can crash, fall, and collide without being damaged.
Microrobot Powered by Soft Muscles
Briefs : Sensors/Data Acquisition
Micro Device Detects Ebola Virus Using Bio-Sensors
Micro Device Detects Ebola Virus Using Bio-Sensors
The device can be used to pre-screen for the virus using gene-editing assays before those infected can travel and expose others.
Micro Device Detects Ebola Virus Using Bio-Sensors
Briefs : Test & Measurement
Pinpointing Consumption “Sweet Spot” Makes Formation Flight More Fuel-Efficient
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.
Pinpointing Consumption “Sweet Spot” Makes Formation Flight More Fuel-Efficient
Briefs : Test & Measurement
Magneto-Optic Biosensor Using Bio-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles
Magneto-Optic Biosensor Using Bio-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles
This technology is a novel, rugged, and economic diagnostic and sensor platform technology.
Magneto-Optic Biosensor Using Bio-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles
Briefs : Aerospace
Thin Heat Shield for Superfast Aircraft
Thin Heat Shield for Superfast Aircraft
A carbon nanotube heat shield can better protect extremely fast aircraft.
Thin Heat Shield for Superfast Aircraft
Briefs : Manufacturing & Prototyping
Self-Contained Wheel Unit
Self-Contained Wheel Unit
Researchers have developed a self-contained wheel unit that combines a wheel and an electric motor.
Self-Contained Wheel Unit
Briefs : Aerospace
Precision Low-Speed Motor Controller
Precision Low-Speed Motor Controller
The technology can be used in commercial motors, robotic systems, and hybrid and electric vehicles.
Precision Low-Speed Motor Controller
Briefs : Robotics, Automation & Control
Algorithm Gives Robots a Faster Grasp
Algorithm Gives Robots a Faster Grasp
The algorithm speeds up the planning process that robots use to adjust their grip on objects.
Algorithm Gives Robots a Faster Grasp
Briefs : Materials
Artificial Skin Provides Haptic Feedback
Artificial Skin Provides Haptic Feedback
The skin could help rehabilitation and enhance virtual reality by instantaneously adapting to a wearer's movements.
Artificial Skin Provides Haptic Feedback
Briefs : Energy
Continuous Fiber Composite for Use in Gears
Continuous Fiber Composite for Use in Gears
This lightweight material brings strength and durability to complex shapes.
Continuous Fiber Composite for Use in Gears
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Shape Memory Alloy Art (SMArt)
Shape Memory Alloy Art (SMArt)
This hands-on, educational tool highlights the properties of SMA wire.
Shape Memory Alloy Art (SMArt)
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
De-Orbit Device for SmallSats
De-Orbit Device for SmallSats
This retractable de-orbit device facilitates targeted re-entry, attitude and orbital control, and collision avoidance.
De-Orbit Device for SmallSats
Briefs : Medical
Human Torso Simulator
Human Torso Simulator
The simulator could help in the development of new back braces.
Human Torso Simulator
Briefs : Materials
Aerogel-Fiber Layered Laminate System
Aerogel-Fiber Layered Laminate System
This multifunctional hybrid laminate composite can be used for residential and commercial construction.
Aerogel-Fiber Layered Laminate System
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Shape Memory Alloy with Adjustable, Wide-Ranging Actuation Temperatures
Shape Memory Alloy with Adjustable, Wide-Ranging Actuation Temperatures
This invention is a highly stable, heat-treatable, and tunable material.
Shape Memory Alloy with Adjustable, Wide-Ranging Actuation Temperatures
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Unpowered, Lightweight Ankle Exoskeleton
This low-profile ankle exoskeleton integrates into a shoe and fits under clothing.
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Transport Method Boosts Capacity of Heat Exchangers
Transport Method Boosts Capacity of Heat Exchangers
A simple modification can improve the capability of turbulent heat exchangers by 500%.
Transport Method Boosts Capacity of Heat Exchangers
Briefs : Sensors/Data Acquisition
Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) Actuator
Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) Actuator
This technology has applications in sonar, range measuring, directional-force sensors, flow meters, and vibration/noise sensing and control.
Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) Actuator
Briefs : Robotics, Automation & Control
WiFi-Based Technique Measures Speed and Distance of Indoor Movement
WiFi-Based Technique Measures Speed and Distance of Indoor Movement
A technology uses a combination of WiFi signals and accelerometer technology to track devices in near-real-time.
WiFi-Based Technique Measures Speed and Distance of Indoor Movement

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Webcasts

Upcoming Webinars: Software

Modeling Interactions in Energy-Based Medical Devices Using...

Webinars: Medical

A Review of Ionizing Radiation Sterilization Modalities

Upcoming Webinars: Materials

Maximize Productivity and Minimize Costs with New Aerospace...

Upcoming Webinars: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Testing and Inspecting 3D-Printed Parts

Tech Talks: Materials

Cassette-S4: Advanced Sealing for Extreme Off-Highway Conditions

Tech Talks: Automotive

An Advanced Solution for Hydrodynamic Film Challenges

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Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

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