Ultra-strong stretchy material could enable shape-shifting aircraft | New ScientistFacebook / MetaTwitter / X iconLinkedinRedditEmail

By -
Ultra-strong stretchy material could enable shape-shifting aircraft | New ScientistFacebook / MetaTwitter / X iconLinkedinRedditEmail

Ultra-strong stretchy material could enable shape-shifting aircraft | New ScientistFacebook / MetaTwitter / X iconLinkedinRedditEmail

Advertisement

Explore by section

A new procedure turns an alloy of nickel and titanium into a material as strong as steel but 20 times stretchier – and one application could be building planes with shape-shifting wings

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

4 September 2024

An artist’s rendering of a futuristic aircraft with morphable wings

AFRL / NASA

An alloy of titanium and nickel is as strong as steel but stretches like a rubbery polymer. With some clever engineering, it may eventually lead to technologies like shape-shifting aircraft.

Imagine a plane with long wings that contract in midair to become shorter – and make the craft more aerodynamic – as it gains speed. To make this futuristic technology, engineers would need a material that is stretchy enough to change shape yet strong enough to withstand the elements during flight. Xiaobing Ren at the National Institute for…

Advertisement

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 10 September 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

Existing subscribers

Advertisement

More from New Scientist

Explore the latest news, articles and features

Physicists determined the paper most likely to give you a paper cut

News

Subscriber-only

Three bright ideas that could fix fashion's environmental problems

News

Subscriber-only

Microphone made of atom-thick graphene could be used in smartphones

News

Subscriber-only

Glassy gel is hard as plastic and stretches 7 times its length

News

Free

Trending New Scientist articles

Advertisement

Download the app

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2018 Chevrolet Camaro GT4.R Race Car for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $143,000 on May 19, 2024 (Lot #147,530) | Bring a Trailer

By -
Image
https://ift.tt/kvlwOtg https://sites.google.com/view/golden-pipe-depot/plumber-supplier 2018 Chevrolet Camaro GT4.R Race Car for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $143,000 on May 19, 2024 (Lot #147,530) | Bring a Trailer This 2018 Chevrolet Camaro GT4.R is number nine of 14 examples built by Pratt & Miller Engineering and was campaigned by Rebel Rock Racing of DeLand, Florida in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge until 2023, during which it secured a victory at Sebring International Raceway along with third places finishes at Road Atlanta and Virginia International Raceway. The body is finished in multicolor livery, and power comes from a replacement 6.2-liter LT1 V8 mated to an Xtrac six-speed sequential manual transmission and a Salisbury-type limited-slip differential. The race-prepped cabin is protected by a roll cage and fitted with a Racetech racing seat, a Schroth harness, a MoTec digital display, a fire suppression system, and a rearview camera. Additional equipment inc...
Read more

$17.00: Brinks Home Security 673-70401 70mm Discus Padlock w/ Boron Shkl, 4 Pk, Black bubble2bubble2bubble2

By -
Image
https://sites.google.com/view/lockandclampnetwork/locksmith-dandenong $17.00: Brinks Home Security 673-70401 70mm Discus Padlock w/ Boron Shkl, 4 Pk, Black bubble2bubble2bubble2 Deal Alerts Post a Deal Go Mobile Sign Up Categories Coupons Community Personal Finance $17.00: Brinks Home Security 673-70401 70mm Discus Padlock w/ Boron Shkl, 4 Pk, Black Your comment cannot be blank. Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad. More Home & Home Improvement Deals & Discounts Your vote will help the community find the best deals. phoinix posted this deal Giving Reputation Points is a great way to show your appreciation for their work. Popular Deals The link has been copied to the clipboard.
Read more

Sneak peek: Apple Vision Pro might be a boon for travelers - The Points Guy

By -
Image
https://sites.google.com/view/a1-passport-services/fast-passport-services https://sites.google.com/view/a1-passport-services/emergency-passport-services https://sites.google.com/view/a1-passport-services/new-york-city-passport-renewal-services Sneak peek: Apple Vision Pro might be a boon for travelers - The Points Guy Friday, Feb. 2, marks a big day for Apple. It's the day that the tech giant's long-awaited mixed-reality headset hits store shelves and starts showing up on people's faces — at least the ones who can afford the whopping $3,499 price tag. Apple Vision Pro is an all-new product platform for the company — its first in nearly 10 years since the launch of the Apple Watch — and, if Apple is to be believed, it ushers in a new era of so-called "spatial computing." The launch is generating buzz, with tech enthusiasts eager for a look at the latest Apple unveiling. But could the device transcend tech and bleed over into the travel space? It's happened befo...
Read more