Marvin Young

Engineers have taken an important step toward the creation of a working optical transistor: precisely controlling the mixing of optical signals via tailored electric fields, and obtaining outputs with a near perfect contrast and extremely large on/off ratios.

Engineering researchers have developed a prototype of a high-performance flexible lithium-ion battery that demonstrates -- concurrently -- both good flexibility and high energy density. The battery is shaped like the human spine and allows remarkable flexibility, high energy density, and stable voltage no matter how it is flexed or twisted. The device could help advance applications for wearable electronics.

Engineers have invented a '4-D printing' method for a smart gel that could lead to the development of 'living' structures in human organs and tissues, soft robots and targeted drug delivery.

Engineers study what it takes to make strong and tough infrastructures by probing the interfacial interactions of polymer and cement, which are key to composite properties.

Stability of slopes in open excavation in different soil condition along with the factors that control slope stability in open excavation are...

Combining two different polymer forms can switch manufacturing of silicone parts from molding, casting and spin coating of simple forms to 3-D printing of complex geometries with better mechanical characteristics and better biological adhesion, according to a team of researchers.

Researchers have used supercomputers to simulate how bubbles caused by explosions may damage neurons in the brain. Using similar methods, the team reported how nanoparticles affect the fragility of ceramic materials used in space shuttles. They found that the conventional wisdom that nanoparticles improve material strength is not necessarily guaranteed.

Nanoengineers are finding new ways to use graphene printing technology. A new research paper describes how they're treating printed graphene with lasers to create electronic circuits that repel water. That could lead to washable electronics and better biological sensors.

A new algorithm allows drones to fly completely by themselves through the streets of a city and in indoor environments. The algorithm had to learn traffic rules and adapt training examples from cyclists and car drivers.

Stress is resistance provided by structural material against deformation. Stress is measured in terms of load per unit area and is expressed in MPa...

Bituminous pavements are constructed in different layers such as base course, binder course and surface course. These layers are made of different...

Abstract Slurry cut-off walls are increasingly being used to control groundwater flows for geo-environmental or geotechnical purposes. The most...

Researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind technique for creating entirely new classes of optical materials and devices that could lead to light bending and cloaking devices -- news to make the ears of Star Trek's Spock perk up. Using DNA as a key tool, the scientists took gold nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes and arranged them in two and three dimensions to form optically active superlattices. The structures could be programmed to exhibit almost any color across the visible spectrum.

The paper ball-like graphene particles stack into a porous scaffold to suppress filament growth of lithium metal that degrades the battery.

Engineers have created a method to systematically design metamaterials using principles of quantum mechanics.

Researchers have described a new technique to improve chemical stability of electrode materials which can extend the lifespan by employing a very little amount of metals. Using computational chemistry and experimental data, the team observed that local compressive states around the Sr atoms in a perovskite electrode lattice weakened the Sr-O bond strength, which in turn promote strontium segregation.

A team of researchers has demonstrated a novel 3-D printing method that yields unprecedented control of the arrangement of short fibers embedded in polymer matrices. They used this additive manufacturing technique to program fiber orientation within epoxy composites in specified locations, enabling the creation of structural materials that are optimized for strength, stiffness, and damage tolerance.

I use vinyl electrical tape for all sorts of things, such as wrapping tool handles for a better grip and repairing extension cords. It doesn’t matter whether you tear or […] The post Vinyl Tape and PVC Cement appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

I had a bunch of shelves that I needed to paint and I wanted to make disposable drying stands for them. I had some MDF cutoffs, and shot a pair […] The post Painting Rack appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

ZipWall dust-containment systems are great, but I think I have improved the self-adhesive zipper opening. I used to open a zipper with one hand, but the friction can cause the […] The post The Secret to the ZipWall System appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

I was recently called upon to replace a worn-out deck railing for a log cabin. The posts were made from 6-in.-­dia. logs and I needed to notch them so I […] The post Banding Helps Lay Out Log Rail appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

On a recent trip to Joshua Tree National Park we stayed in a cottage that had a claw-foot tub outside the back door. Very few things make me happier than […] The post The Simple Pleasures of an Outdoor Tub appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

I recently added earthquake tie-downs in an occupied basement. For the epoxy connections to work, every hole must be perfectly clean. Blowing the dust from the holes is a messy […] The post Hold-Down Bolts Prepped Right appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

The fog bell tower at Hendricks Head Lighthouse on Southport Island, Maine, is such a cool structure. Built in 1890, its purpose is to provide a stable platform for the […] The post Fog Bell Tower Proves Function Can Include Beauty appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

This is the fifth and final live-from-the-show episode of the Fine Homebuilding podcast. In the first half of this show, Justin is joined by AdvanTech product director Mike Pyle of […] The post Podcast Episode 96 — Engineered Wood and New Products appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Here are the digital exclusives related to Issue 273. Fine Homebuilding is proud of its video series called Why I Build, as seen on page 22 of this issue. Please […] The post Digital Exclusives for Issue 273 appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Researches examined the transport, evaporation and combustion of liquids in large-scale fire incidents.

Scientists have identified a unique structure that wraps around the mantis shrimp's club to protect it from self-inflicted damage as it crushes hard-shelled prey. The finding will help researchers develop ultra-strong materials for the aerospace and sports industries.

A new technique to detect a drone camera illicitly capturing video is revealed in a new study by cyber security researchers in Israel. The study addresses increasing concerns about the proliferation of drone use for personal and business applications and how it is impinging on privacy and safety.

Bilayer white graphene combined with a ceramic creates a multifunctional material with high strength and toughness, according to new research. The material may be suitable for construction and refractory materials and applications in the nuclear industry, oil and gas, aerospace and other areas that require high-performance composites.

Concrete cover is assumed to be the first measure considered to prevent influences of aggressive elements on the reinforcement steel bars. That is...

How to choose type of pile foundation? The types of pile along with their advantages and disadvantages and applications can be used to guide designer...

There different types of structural systems which are used in the construction of multistory buildings. These systems for multi storey buildings can...

If a community is resilient, it can withstand and recover from an unanticipated disaster, like an earthquake, fire or flood. But since every disaster and every community is unique, a uniform measure for defining 'resilience' has been hard to come by for engineers and social scientists. A new study offers an innovative approach to defining resilience that could help communities better prepare for hazards.

Scientists are developing graphene-based, sensors-on-tape that can be attached to plants and can provide data to researchers and farmers about water use in crops. The technology could have many other applications, including sensors for biomedical diagnostics, for checking the structural integrity of buildings, for monitoring the environment and, with modifications, for testing crops for diseases or pesticides.