The behavior of high-pressure gas flows involved during the plasma arc cutting process is not fully understood, particularly when the cutting front has a curved shape. In a new study, using simulations and Schlieren visualization techniques, researchers from Pusan National University and KIMM have observed curved cutting fronts creating shockwaves, reducing gas flow velocity and cutting efficiency. These findings highlight critical velocity limits where cutting fails, providing insights for improving the plasma arc cutting process.

An anti-icing technology inspired by the natural structure of human skin has been developed. The surface features a multi-scale wrinkle design combining large and small wrinkles. Large wrinkles initiate cracks at the edges of ice, while small wrinkles accelerate crack propagation, allowing ice to detach easily and passively, without external energy input. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of traditional anti-icing methods by offering exceptional durability, resistance to environmental factors, and reduced energy consumption.

In a research paper published in National Science Review, a team from Southeast University and Nanjing University presents a bio-inspired microwave wireless system with stiffness-tunable ability, hybrid-energy harvesting, low-power backscatter communication and self-healable encapsulation. With these unique characteristics, the bio-inspired microwave system can be deployed anywhere to support stable, battery-less, and maintenance-free IoT networks, paving the way for the future of ubiquitous wireless connectivity.

In a pioneering study, researchers have successfully realized valley vortex states in water wave crystals, drawing parallels with phenomena observed in photonic crystals. This achievement advances the understanding of valley states in the classical wave domain and opens new avenues for potential applications in ocean energy extraction, marine engineering, and the development of coastal infrastructures.

Li metal batteries harbor the potential to attain the ambitious target of 600 Wh kg^-1, addressing the burgeoning energy requirements of electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, and even battery-powered aviation. Its degradation primarily originates from active Li loss, encompassing isolated Li (dead Li), and solid electrolyte interphase. Herein, the authors unveil the existence of an alternative form of dead Li, termed ionically isolated Li (I-iLi), which diverges from the traditionally recognized electronically isolated Li (E-iLi). The term I-iLi denotes a portion of dead Li that becomes disconnected from the Li-ion percolation pathway due to electrolyte de-wetting. This discovery stems from a quantitative assessment of electrolyte-dependent capacity recovery in high-energy pouch cells. By implementing stress modulation, the I-iLi content is reduced from 21% at 0.1 MPa to 1% at 1 MPa. Harnessing these insights, a prototype LiNi_0.95Mn_0.03Co_0.02O₂||Cu pouch cell (1.4 Ah) achieves an extraordinary energy density of 551 Wh kg^-1 and maintains 70% capacity after 100 cycles at 0.2 C.

Scientists at Heriot-Watt University have been given the green light for a new project that aims to bring cost-effective connectivity to all.

Researchers at Kyushu University have found that stars in the early universe may have formed from “fluffy” molecular clouds. Using the ALMA telescope to observe the Small Magellanic Cloud—whose environment is similar to the early universe—they observed that about 60% of the observed clouds had the common filamentary structure, while the remaining 40% had a “fluffy” shape. Thes results could provide new insights into the formation of stars in the universe.