Important Innovations

Very Original Origami for Spacecraft Landings Source:  University of  Washington Softens the Blow and Enables Rocket Reuse A team at the University of Washington has invented an origami inspired metamaterial.  It's designed to soften the force generated when a spacecraft lands and enable its reuse.  The researchers also say it can be used in cars to soften the blow of an accident.  For a news blog with details, go to Important Innovations Collection: Origami Invention for Spacecraft : Designed to Soften Impact of Landings Source:  University of Washington Origami Inspired Metamaterial This is unique innovation deve...

New Metamaterials that Change Shape in 4D May Redefine Robots, Aircraft, Medical Devices Rutgers University Breakthrough Materials Science Scientists at Rutgers University have invented new metamaterials that don't exist in nature.  The 4D printed materials are lightweight, flexible and can shift their shape and structure in response to temperature. The 4th dimension is time.  Experts think this may enable new generations of aircraft, soft robots and small medical devices.  For a great news blog with  more details, go to Important Innovations Collection: Shape Changing Material : 4D Printed Metamaterial Changes Shape When Heated Source:  Rutgers University The 4th Dimension is Time - Breakthrough Materials Scie...

Sounds of Invisibility Penn State researchers have created an underwater ground cloaking technology that's capable of redirecting sound waves so objects appear invisible.  What's different here is sound waves not light waves are used to cloak.  And it's not just theory.  It's been tested and works. Super Metaterials The cloak uses a metamaterial not found in nature.  It allows sound wave to bend around objects as though they weren't there. Put to the Test The Penn State scientists tested their cloaking tech.   They created a 3 foot tall pyramid of steel and placed it underwater.  They used a hydrophone to produce sound.  The metamaterial redirected the sound waves around the pyramid, making it invisible. Cloaking Emerges from Science Fiction According to Asst. Prof. Amanda Hanford their metamaterial is real and works. "We're working to open the floodgates to see what we can create with these materials."  In the past couple of years, there