mechanical and aerospace engineering

Jul 17, 2015

Study Finds Metal Foams Capable of Shielding X-rays, Gamma Rays, Neutron Radiation

Research shows lightweight composite metal foams are effective at blocking X-rays, gamma rays and neutron radiation, and are capable of absorbing the energy of high impact collisions. The finding means metal foams hold promise for use in nuclear safety, space exploration and medical technology applications. 

Jul 13, 2015

Researchers Find Nanowires Have Unusually Pronounced ‘Anelastic’ Properties

Researchers have found that nanoscale wires (nanowires) made of common semiconductor materials have a pronounced anelasticity – meaning that the wires, when bent, return slowly to their original shape rather than snapping back quickly. 

Jun 16, 2015

Researchers Create Transparent, Stretchable Conductors Using Nano-Accordion Structure

Researchers have created stretchable, transparent conductors that work because of the structures’ “nano-accordion” design. The conductors could be used in applications such as flexible electronics, stretchable displays or wearable sensors. 

Apr 27, 2015

Lightweight Membrane Can Significantly Reduce In-Flight Aircraft Noise

Riding in a helicopter or airplane can be a noisy experience for passengers. But researchers have developed a membrane that can be incorporated into aircraft to drastically reduce the low-frequency noise that penetrates the cabin. 

Jan 23, 2015

New Technique Helps Probe Performance of Organic Solar Cell Materials

Researchers have developed a way to determine the role that a material’s structure has on the efficiency of organic solar cells, which are candidates for low-cost, next generation solar power. The finding will help guide future research and development efforts. 

Jan 20, 2015

Wearable Sensor Smooths Path to Long-Term EKG, EMG Monitoring

Researchers have developed a wearable sensor that uses silver nanowires to monitor electrophysiological signals. The sensor is as accurate as the “wet electrode” sensors used in hospitals for EKGs and EMGs, but can be used for long-term monitoring and is more accurate than existing sensors when a patient is moving. 

Dec 8, 2014

Nanoparticle Allows Low-Cost Creation of 3-D Nanostructures

Researchers have developed a new lithography technique that uses nanoscale spheres to create 3-D structures with biomedical, electronic and photonic applications. 

Apr 28, 2014

Hunt Is Home to Animatronic Wolf

Using 3-D scanning technology, computer-aided design software and good old-fashioned elbow grease, two engineering students create a capstone project for the ages: an animatronic timber wolf for the high-tech Hunt Library. 

Nov 7, 2013

First in the Future of Flight

NC State researchers hope Vireo, an unmanned aviation vehicle barely larger than a football, will make big contributions to agriculture, law enforcement and first responders. Join us for a test flight. 

May 31, 2013

Kuznetsov Wins Humboldt Award

Andrey V. Kuznetsov, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, joins an elite group of international academics honored by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany. 

Mar 16, 2011

Fire It Up

The basketball is in your hands, the score is tied and time's running out. You're about 10 feet away from the basket on the right side of the court, just outside the free-throw lane. Before the clock hits 0:00, check out new research from NC State engineers that shows whether a direct shot or a bank shot has a better chance of scoring your team a postgame victory celebration. 

Mar 11, 2011

Take Your Best Shot

Should you bank the basketball off the backboard or aim for nothing but net? Let NC State engineers improve your game with shots based on science. 

Mar 7, 2011

Ferguson Receives NSF Career Award

Dr. Scott M. Ferguson, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, has received a Faculty Early Career Development Award from the National Science Foundation. 

Dec 15, 2010

Zikry Appointed to Smith Professorship

Dr. Mohammed A. Zikry has been appointed the inaugural Zan Prevost Smith Distinguished Professor in Mechanical Engineering. 

Nov 5, 2010

Extreme Makeover

Inside a makeshift garage, a team of NC State students moves hurriedly around a stripped-down SUV, working diligently under the watchful eye of three Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering graduate students. It's a race against the clock - as well as teams from 15 other universities across North America - to retool their ride into an energy-efficient, EcoCAR Challenge award winner.