Researchers have devised a way to use acoustic levitation to enable metal additive manufacturing in microgravity environments in space, where metal powders can be fused together to create accurate parts and components.

Researchers have devised a way to use acoustic levitation to enable metal additive manufacturing in microgravity environments in space, where metal powders can be fused together to create accurate parts and components. 

Space Manufacturing Could Need Acoustic Levitation 

When a ballistic shield is struck with a heavy object, it can actually bend backward toward the shield holder. Researchers want to know if these shields do enough to protect against arm injury.

How Well Do Shields Protect? 

Yes, says Bechel&rsquo;s John Gülen, but probably not in some of the carbon-neutral applications that have received attention over the past decade.

Yes, says Bechel’s John Gülen, but probably not in some of the carbon-neutral applications that have received attention over the past decade.

Does the Energy Transition Have a Place for Gas Turbines?

Electronics has its microtransistors. Now a research team has created a microscale valve for controlling fluid flows.

Fluid Valve Turned On By Heat

April-June 2025

The technology has uses beyond the aviation and manufacturing sectors. A new study found all three phases of civil engineering projects&mdash;planning/design, construction, and operation and maintenance&mdash;can find value in digital twins.

The technology has uses beyond the aviation and manufacturing sectors. A new study found all three phases of civil engineering projects—planning/design, construction, and operation and maintenance—can find value in digital twins.

Digital Twins Can Support Civil Engineering Projects

Researchers at the University of Bologna in Italy have developed a method of dry grinding for automotive gears&mdash;without using oils and other lubricants.

Researchers at the University of Bologna in Italy have developed a method of dry grinding for automotive gears—without using oils and other lubricants.

A More Sustainable Way to Make Automotive Gears

Manufacturers rely on heating, cooling, and ventilation systems to provide optimal environments for their equipment&mdash;and workers. University of Alabama researcher Forooza Samadi describes ways companies can optimize these systems.

Manufacturers rely on heating, cooling, and ventilation systems to provide optimal environments for their equipment—and workers. University of Alabama researcher Forooza Samadi describes ways companies can optimize these systems.

Q&A: Improving Efficiency in HVAC Systems

It&rsquo;s not all about power&mdash;a robotic arm needs the right technique and architecture to hurl an object efficiently.

It’s not all about power—a robotic arm needs the right technique and architecture to hurl an object efficiently.

Robot Throwing

January-March 2025

A proof-of-concept computer model points to a way to reduce the drag effects of ultra-long tethers on underwater kites. Such kites could be used to generate electricity in deep-marine conditions.&nbsp;

A proof-of-concept computer model points to a way to reduce the drag effects of ultra-long tethers on underwater kites. Such kites could be used to generate electricity in deep-marine conditions.

Reducing Drag from Power Kites

Researchers who developed an electrothermal pulse deicing system say it could provide energy-efficient and rapid removal of ice from the wings of electrified aircraft.&nbsp;

Researchers who developed an electrothermal pulse deicing system say it could provide energy-efficient and rapid removal of ice from the wings of electrified aircraft. 

Deicing Planes One Pulse at a Time

The growing demand for AI and other computational tools has created a challenge for engineers tasked with keeping largescale data centers cool. Perhaps the solution is not dumping the waste heat, but reusing it productively.

Data Center Waste Heat is a Resource 

Engineers design a simple but flexible robotic gripper.&nbsp;

Engineers design a simple but flexible robotic gripper. 

A Better Grip

July-September 2025

A techno-economic analysis evaluated the commercial potential of producing electrofuels through Fischer&ndash;Tropsch synthesis using green hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

A techno-economic analysis evaluated the commercial potential of producing electrofuels through Fischer–Tropsch synthesis using green hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Electrofuel as a Cost-Competitive Shipping Fuel

Researchers at North Carolina State University have modeled the transfer of ultrasonic waves from one optical fiber to another, essentially creating an optical fiber coupler for light waves.

A Fiber Optic Acoustic Coupler for Light Waves

The concept of engineering justice is hardly a new one, but its significance will continue to grow, making understanding the research that has come before vital.&nbsp;

The concept of engineering justice is hardly a new one, but its significance will continue to grow, making understanding the research that has come before vital. 

Engineering Design for All

Complex shapes have been difficult for one or more robots to 3D print&mdash;until now.

April-June 2025

In This Issue

Space Manufacturing Could Need Acoustic Levitation

How Well Do Shields Protect?

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Does the Energy Transition Have a Place for Gas Turbines?

Fluid Valve Turned On By Heat

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