E-Mail IMAGE: Computational materials scientists at Ames Laboratory developed an evolutionary algorithm, using a hybrid version of a computer program called Cuckoo Search (CS), which mimics the brood parasite behavior of cuckoo... view more Credit: U.S. Department of Energy, Ames Laboratory Computational materials science experts at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory enhanced an algorithm that borrows its approach from the nesting habits of cuckoo birds, reducing the search time for new high-tech alloys from weeks to mere seconds. The scientists are investigating a type of alloys called high-entropy alloys, a novel class of materials that are highly sought after for a host of unusual and potentially beneficial properties. They are lightweight in relation to their strength, fracture-resistant, highly corrosion and oxidation resistant, and stand up well in high-temperature and high-pressure environments -- making them attractive materials for aerospace industry, space exploration, nuclear energy, and defense applications.