Smart fluids move
into the marketplace
Smart fluids solidify
in the presence of an electrical or magnetic
field and re-liquefy when that force is removed.
Applications range from dampers for vehicle
vibration control to rotary brakes for aerobic
exercise equipment.
Understanding
and predicting space weather
When
streams of charged particles from the sun
interact with the Earth’s magnetic
field, there can be serious consequences
for electrical power grids, communications
networks (radio, television, and telephone),
and satellite operations.
Compact accelerator
neutron generators
These
small devices are useful for detecting and
quantifying different elements in a variety
of materials and find applications in identifying
explosives, chemical weapons, and nuclear
materials.
Rapid
prototyping of aluminum
A
computer-guided laser polymerizes a pattern
in a powdered mixture of aluminum, magnesium,
and nylon to form a skeleton of 50% metal
that is infiltrated with liquid aluminum
to form the high-precision part.
