Until now, the analysis of crystalline microstructures in metallic materials has been technically challenging and particularly time-consuming. Researchers from the fields of materials engineering .
The first solid-state engine that converted heat into continuous mechanical motion using a thermally responsive actuating material was introduced almost a century ago. These engines used vulcanized rubber where the cyclically heating and cooling of the rubber generate continuous mechanical power in pendulum or wheel type engines. The development of solid-state heat engines has seen several waves of activity with interest stimulated by the introduction of new actuating materials capable of responding to different environmental stimuli. Opportunities for improved engine outputs are afforded by recently developed artificial muscle materials. A theoretical connection between engine output and the characteristics of the actuator material is developed to compare the performances of vulcanized rubber, shape memory alloys (SMAs), and twisted and coiled polymer (TCP) fiber artificial muscles. It is shown that with an engine designed to suit the actuation performance of TCPs engines powered by t
Researchers at ETH Zurich achieved a shape memory effect for the first time with objects that are only a few nanometers in size. This can be used to manufacture tiny machinery and robotic devices .
Programmable materials are true shapeshifters. They can change their characteristics in a controlled and reversible way with the push of a button, independently adapting to fit new conditions. The .
/PRNewswire/ A new market study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., (GIA) the premier market research company, today released its report titled.