Posted on 09/24/2017 5:38:59 AM PDT by BenLurkin
Like most common metals, aluminium lacks natural buoyancy. However, with a little rearranging of the metal’s natural molecular structure, one can produce an ultra-light crystalline form of the metal that is actually less dense than water and, as a result, floats upon it.
Research conducted by Utah State University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry professor Alexander Boldyrev and published in the latest issue of The Journal of Physical Chemistry C has yielded just such a crystalline form using computational modeling.
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According to the research team, the potential for the new aluminium structure is vast, as the metal already features such useful traits as being non-magnetic, resistant to corrosion, easily available, and generally inexpensive to produce.
“Spaceflight, medicine, wiring and more lightweight, more fuel-efficient automotive parts are some applications that come to mind. Of course, it’s very early to speculate about how this material could be used. There are many unknowns. For one thing, we don’t know anything about its strength.”
I saw that too.
What they “created” was a computer MODEL of the intended lattice with these features. Now, they got MAKE IT before they can build anything with it. (And the tests have to be as successful as the theory predicts before planes will fly with it.)
Like Viagra vs Cialis. Do you want something that'll just get the job done or are you ready to make a 4 day commitment.....
LOL!!
According to my files, I wrote this at least seven years ago:
“Young Caitlin there is going to be our Joan of Arc in an upcoming production. The suit of armor for the ‘Maid of Orleans’ is a tribute to you.” Berry waved to the shining but diminutive figure.
To Barbara’s alarm, Caitlin started walking down the bank and into the water of the moat! As the words of caution caught in her throat, Barbara watched as the girl began effortlessly swimming across to them.
“What the Devil?” Barbara stared. Berry laughed.
“Remember? You said that even I would not be able to swim with a suit of armor on? When we realized that for historical authenticity we would need armor for Joan of Arc, I had some special material fabricated for the suit. We wanted it to be light anyway, while appearing strong, so I had the suit made of foamed aluminum. It actually provides positive buoyancy. You couldn’t drown in this if you wanted to!”
By this time, Caitlin had reached the other side and climbed out, dripping and smiling in front of them. Berry stepped forward and hugged and kissed her. Barbara stepped forward also.
“Caitlin? Regardless of what the suit was made of, that took courage. Thank you! Although I wish you hadn’t; I thought I was going to have to come in after you!”
“Thank you, Lady Barbara. But I was in no danger. We tested the suit before I put it on. I don’t think there are any scenes where I have to swim in it. But at least it is light and comfortable to wear.” Caitlin smiled demurely.
Barbara felt the suit of armor. It was metal, but it had the lightness of plastic. “Foamed aluminum, hunh? Berry, you astonish me. I’m supposed to be the engineer!”
Al U. Minium sent the link. ;^) Interesting stuff. Making metallic foams in microgravity (such as in Earth orbit) has been experimented with, I'd like to see titanium foam produced from asteroid ores, in space, using power from solar cells. Thanks BenLurkin.
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