Mechanical/Mechatronics

Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Access the latest news and technical advancements impacting Mechanical and Fluid systems. Explore articles and technical briefs about fastening, joining, mechanical components, fluid handling, and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMs).

Stories

Articles: Aerospace

ARTEMIS: Back to the Moon

With the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, NASA will return humans to the lunar surface.

Articles: Robotics, Automation & Control

ARTEMIS III: Return to the Surface

The third flight of SLS and Orion will carry the first woman and first person of color to the Moon.

Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition

2021 Create the Future Design Contest: Medical Category Winner — Halo Speculum

The Halo replaces all metal retractors with one simple, one-size-fits-all design.

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

2021 Create the Future Design Contest: Automotive/Transportation Category Winner — Afreecar E-kit

The e-kit promises to be a low-cost solution in the developing world.

Briefs: Materials

Color-Changing Dyes Visualize Stress in Plastics

Directly visualizing external stresses of plastics is useful in development of materials with improved mechanical properties.

Articles: Motion Control

2021 Create the Future Design Contest: Manufacturing/Robotics/Automation Category Winner — Electronics-Free Soft Walking Robot

Av four-legged soft robot walks, without requiring any electronics.

Articles: Propulsion

ARTEMIS II: Astronauts on Board

With Artemis II — the first crewed flight of SLS and Orion — four astronauts will travel to the lunar environment in 2024.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Laser Jolts Microscopic Electronic Robots into Motion

Incorporating semiconductor components, microscopic robots are made to walk with standard electronic signals.

Briefs: Aerospace

Deployable Composite Boom

Applications include space structures, emergency shelters, backpack solar collectors, and inspection of hazardous environments.

Briefs: Motion Control

DC Drives as Replacements for AC Servos

Low-voltage DC stepper and servo drives offer space-saving options for applications traditionally handled by AC servo drives.

Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition

2021 Supplier Guide: Sensors

See leading manufacturers in a variety of sensor topic areas, including radar and encoders.

Articles: Electronics & Computers

The Fundamentals of Applying Electrohydraulic Valves

Learn seven key design considerations for implementing electrohydraulic valves.

Products: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

New Products

Motion controllers, electric cylinders, cobot brakes, and more.

Briefs: Materials

Liquid Metal Sensors and AI Help Prosthetic Hands “Feel”

The technology could improve the control of prosthetic hands and provide a sense of “touch” for amputees.

Application Briefs: Propulsion

Improving Overhead Equipment Devices for a New Era of Railway Transportation

See how COMSOL is supporting upcoming modifications to railway infrastructure in India.

Briefs: Motion Control

Liquid Metal Turns Motion into Electricity, Even Underwater

The soft and stretchable device converts movement into electricity and can work in wet environments.

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Drive-Based Platforms Provide Flexible Concepts for Machine Safety

Drive and control platforms provide the vital protection of people and machines in automated manufacturing efforts.

Application Briefs: Data Acquisition

OPC UA Standard for Industrial Automation

The global interoperability standard supports manufacturing and manufacturing DX (digital transformation) in the digital era.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Hydrodynamic Effect Helps Motorized Objects Navigate Inclines

The tiny motors mimic how rock climbers navigate inclines.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Built-In Vibration Control to Soundproof Spaces

Vibration-absorbing resonators could better soundproof walls and make vehicles more streamlined.

Application Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Component Helps Perseverance Sample Mars

Ewellix (Gothenburg, Sweden) has developed a planetary roller screw that's now on Mars.

Application Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Machine Condition Monitoring Keeps a Factory Running

Learn how to outfit your equipment with sensors.

Articles: Green Design & Manufacturing

Energy Harvesting Can Enable 1 Trillion Battery-Free Sensors in the IoT

A tiny investment in system capital expenditures can lead to huge rewards in reduced capital and operating expenses.

Articles: Transportation

What Will 5G Do for the IoT/IIoT?

To find out about the impact of 5G mobile broadband service on the IoT/IIoT, I interviewed Jai Suri, Vice President, IoT and Blockchain Applications Development, Oracle, and Mike Anderson, Embedded Systems...

Application Briefs: Communications

Sensing Hazardous Gases Can Save Lives

Pellistor/Catalytic Bead (CB) sensors can respond to flammable gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, methane, butane, propane, and carbon monoxide.