Cotton thread is made of many tiny fibers, each just 2-3 cm long, yet when spun together the fibers are capable of transmitting tension over indefinitely long distances. From a physics perspective, how threads and yarns transmit ...
(PhysOrg.com) -- Black holes are irresistible sinks for matter and energy. They are so dense that not even light can escape from their gravitational clutches. Massive black holes (equal to millions or even billions of solar ...
Astronomy
Jan 16, 2012
6
8
A floating weed that clogs waterways around the world has at least one redeeming feature: It's inspired a high-tech waterproof coating intended for boats and submarines.
Nanomaterials
Nov 10, 2011
1
0
(PhysOrg.com) -- The problem exists on both a large and a small scale, and it even bothered the ancient Egyptians. However, although physicists have long had a good understanding of friction in things like stone blocks being ...
Condensed Matter
Dec 20, 2011
3
1
Graphene, a two-dimensional form of carbon in sheets just one atom in thick, has been the subject of widespread research, in large part because of its unique combination of strength, electrical conductivity, and chemical ...
Nanomaterials
Nov 23, 2016
0
769
Friction is all around us, working against the motion of tires on pavement, the scrawl of a pen across paper, and even the flow of proteins through the bloodstream. Whenever two surfaces come in contact, there is friction, ...
Nanophysics
Jun 4, 2015
1
1673
(Phys.org)—A team of physicists, led by Nuno Araujo of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, has found a way to optimize the stability of systems of rotating bearings. The team discovered that it is ...
(PhysOrg.com) -- NASA has partnered with Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver, Colo., and MT Aerospace in Augsburg, Germany, to successfully manufacture the first full-scale friction stir welded and spun formed tank dome ...
Space Exploration
Dec 2, 2009
2
0
Winter is coming, promising the usual bouts of frozen precipitation for northern locations. The slickness of snow and ice is a big pain if you're driving, flying or walking, but can be a lot of fun if you strap on a pair ...
Condensed Matter
Dec 8, 2015
3
31
(Phys.org) —Italian materials scientist Nicola Pugno has realized amazing gains in adding toughness to fibers by twisting them into slip knots resulting in materials that can take far more abuse before breaking than those ...
