WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Students taking the Zero-Gravity Flight Experiment course at Purdue University will see their creation soar to the upper atmosphere to study a new green propellant, partnering with Aerojet Rocketdyne to demonstrate that the propellant can replace the traditional but highly toxic hydrazine fuel. The students will design and build their experiment […]
Advance brings ‘hyperbolic metamaterials’ closer to reality
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Researchers have taken a step toward practical applications for “hyperbolic metamaterials,” ultra-thin crystalline films that could bring optical advances including powerful microscopes, quantum computers and high-performance solar cells. New developments are reminiscent of advances that ushered in silicon chip technology, said Alexandra Boltasseva, a Purdue University associate professor of electrical […]
New steering tech for heavy equipment saves fuel, ups efficiency
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Researchers at Purdue University have shown how to reduce fuel consumption while improving the efficiency of hydraulic steering systems in heavy construction equipment. The new approach incorporates several innovations: It eliminates valves now needed to direct the flow of hydraulic fluid in steering systems and uses advanced algorithms and models to […]
New technique to improve quality control of lithium-ion batteries
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Researchers have created a new tool to detect flaws in lithium-ion batteries as they are being manufactured, a step toward reducing defects and inconsistencies in the thickness of electrodes that affect battery life and reliability. The electrodes, called anodes and cathodes, are the building blocks of powerful battery arrays like those […]
New Technique to Improve Quality Control of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Researchers have created a new tool to detect flaws in lithium-ion batteries as they are being manufactured, a step toward reducing defects and inconsistencies in the thickness of electrodes that affect battery life and reliability. The electrodes, called anodes and cathodes, are the building blocks of powerful battery arrays like those used in electric and […]
‘Super-resolution’ microscope possible for nanostructures
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Researchers have found a way to see synthetic nanostructures and molecules using a new type of super-resolution optical microscopy that does not require fluorescent dyes, representing a practical tool for biomedical and nanotechnology research. “Super-resolution optical microscopy has opened a new window into the nanoscopic world,” said Ji-Xin Cheng, an associate […]
New Concrete to Increase Bridge Life Span
Purdue University research is enabling Indiana to improve bridges in the state with a new “internally cured” high-performance concrete. “This material will reduce maintenance costs and allow bridge decks to last longer,” said Jason Weiss, a professor of civil engineering and director of Purdue’s Pankow Materials Laboratory. “Our testing indicates that internally cured high-performance concrete […]