Content for PSU.Edu

Inexpensive battery charges rapidly for electric vehicles, reduces range anxiety

“Range anxiety, the fear of running out of power before being able to recharge an electric vehicle, may be a thing of the past, according to a team of Penn State engineers who are looking at lithium iron phosphate batteries …

Algorithms and automation: Making new technology faster and cheaper

“Additive manufacturing (AM) machinery has advanced over time, however, the necessary software for new machines often lags behind. To help mitigate this issue, Penn State researchers designed an automated process planning software to save money, time and design resources. Newer …

Stretchable micro-supercapacitors to self-power wearable devices

“A stretchable system that can harvest energy from human breathing and motion for use in wearable health-monitoring devices may be possible, according to an international team of researchers, led by Huanyu “Larry” Cheng, Dorothy Quiggle Career Development Professor in Penn …

Tungsten develops layers under fusion reactor extreme heat conditions

“In tokamaks, magnetic confinement devices being explored for use as nuclear fusion reactors, anomalous events can cause a transfer of energy with 10 million times the intensity of the solar radiation on Earth’s surface. These events can cause damage …

Implantable sensor could measure bodily functions — and then safely biodegrade

“Sensors need to be flexible, stretchable, biodegradable, safe and stable for use in the body. Sensors that monitor a patient’s condition during and after medical procedures can be expensive, uncomfortable and even dangerous. Now, an international team of researchers …

Graphene-based memory resistors show promise for brain-based computing

“As progress in traditional computing slows, new forms of computing are coming to the forefront. At Penn State, a team of engineers is attempting to pioneer a type of computing that mimics the efficiency of the brain’s neural networks …

Engineers print wearable sensors directly on skin without heat

“An international team of researchers developed a novel technique to produce precise, high-performing biometric sensors Wearable sensors are evolving from watches and electrodes to bendable devices that provide far more precise biometric measurements and comfort for users. Now, an international …

Theoretically, two layers are better than one for solar-cell efficiency

“Solar cells have come a long way, but inexpensive, thin film solar cells are still far behind more expensive, crystalline solar cells in efficiency. Now, a team of researchers suggests that using two thin films of different materials may be …

Locust swarm could improve collision avoidance

“Plagues of locusts, containing millions of insects, fly across the sky to attack crops, but the individual insects do not collide with each other within these massive swarms. Now a team of engineers is creating a low-power collision detector that …

An improved wearable, stretchable gas sensor using nanocomposites

“A stretchable, wearable gas sensor for environmental sensing has been developed and tested by researchers at Penn State, Northeastern University and five universities in China. The sensor combines a newly developed laser-induced graphene foam material with a unique form of …