Hexagonal electrohydraulic modules shape-shift into versatile robots

Published: 18 September 2024
Categories: Engineering News

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Scientists at MPI-IS have developed electrically driven robotic components, called HEXEL modules, which can snap together into high-speed reconfigurable robots. Magnets embedded along the outside of the modules allow them to electrically and mechanically connect to other modules, forming robots with diverse shapes and capabilities. HEXEL modules are a promising technology for use in resource-limited environments, such as on space or rescue missions, and can be used to construct versatile robots from redundant parts, altogether promoting a sustainable robot design.

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Researchers track plasma creation using novel ultra-fast laser method

Published: 18 September 2024
Categories: National Science Foundation

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A team of researchers supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation has developed a new method of tracking the ultra-fast heat progression in warm, dense matter plasmas — the type of matter created when metals are struck with high-powered lasers. Published in Nature Communications, the results of this study will help researchers better understand not only how plasma forms when metal is heated by high-powered lasers but also what’s happening within the cores of giant planets and even aid in the development of fast ignition laser fusion with energy-generating potential here on Earth.

The research team aimed a high-powered laser at very thin strips of copper, which heated to 200,000 degrees Fahrenheit and momentarily shifted to a warm, dense matter plasma state before exploding. At the same time, the researchers used ultrashort-duration X-ray pulses from an X-ray free-electron laser to capture images of the copper’s transformation down to a few picoseconds or trillionths of a second. By doing so, the researchers were able to observe the ultra-fast and microscopic transformation of matter.

Credit: Hiroshi Sawada

A researcher holds the scaffolding with tiny copper foils attached. These copper pieces will be struck with lasers, heating them to thousands of degrees Fahrenheit.

“These findings shed new light on fundamental properties of plasmas in the warm

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Open Rank Tenured or Tenure-Eligible Position

Published: 18 September 2024
Categories: Eng Jobs Academic Keys

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Job ID: 245374

Open Rank Tenured or Tenure-Eligible Position
University of Virginia Description

The School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS) at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks candidates for two open-rank, tenure-track or tenure-eligible faculty positions in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE). Appointment rank and compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. As one of the nation’s top public universities, the candidates must demonstrate excellence in research and be capable of establishing a sustainable externally funded research program while conducting appropriate teaching and service.

The research area of the applicant is expected to be in dynamics & control. One position is intended for an applicant conducting research in aerospace systems. The other position is open to all applicants in the general field of dynamics & control.

The

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