An international group of scientists recently found that the key to the strength of ancient Roman concrete is the presence of aluminous tobermorite, a mineral that slowly forms within voids and prevents cracks from traversing through the concrete.
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Scientists at NASA have taken measurements of what happens in full-scale tests—in which the scientists injected actual volcanic ash into an operating jet engine—and will spend the next several months analyzing the experimental data.
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The latest research to shed light on the ductility and durability of ancient concrete comes from geophysicists at the Stanford University, who discovered concrete-like rock deep within a dormant volcano in Italy they say could explain how ancient Romans invented the compound used to build structures like the Pantheon and Colosseum.
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New research from an international team of scientists suggests that natural glass spheres are born during another natural phenomenon—volcanic lightning.
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A new study confirms that unique aluminum-containing crystals that form in Roman concrete are behind the material’s robust strength and durability.
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Arizona State University and US Geological Survey scientists report that mineral clay deposits may be key to stemming worldwide increases in deadly antibacterial resistance.
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A University of Cambridge (UK) team looked at factors that contribute to volcanic ash sticking to surfaces of a turbine of a small turbojet engine, focusing on tow key parameters—gas (and particle) temperature and turbine surface temperature.
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Apropos to the latest round of ash clouds spewing from the EyjafjallajökullI volcano, plus indications that some
utilities are going to be building new high-temperature fast-cycle gas turbines for peak electrical power generation, we offer this video that expands on a story I first wrote about in April.