friction

Predicting macroscale friction in clay-like materials using microscale calculations

By Lisa McDonald / April 12, 2019

Japanese researchers found they could explain macroscopic friction in muscovite using theoretical calculations of microscale frictional forces. They hope to develop a theory that can explain frictional strength across a broad range of clay and clay-like minerals.

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Video: How to turn sand into a liquid without melting

By April Gocha / December 13, 2017

The melting point of a solid is the temperature at which the solid transforms into a liquid—but is it possible to lose structural rigidity without a change in temperature? Engineer and YouTuber Mark Rober has filled his hot tub with sand to give us the answer.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / October 26, 2016

A better method to manufacture silicon nanowires, new 3-D design for mobile microbatteries, and other materials stories that may be of interest for October 26, 2016.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / August 31, 2016

Reducing expensive metals for fuel cell reactions, new tandem cell is innovating solar, and other materials stories that may be of interest for August 31, 2016.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / August 25, 2015

Surprises about 2-D molybdenum disulfide, sulfur waste turns into plastic, and other materials stories that may be of interest for August 25, 2015.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / July 29, 2015

Advanced composites consider crustaceans, nonmagnetic duo form magnet, and other materials stories that may be of interest for July 29, 2015.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / June 17, 2015

Water-powered computers, self-healing electrical conductors, and other materials stories that may be of interest for June 17, 2015.

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