Mechanical engineering

This image from a scanning electron microscope shows a cross section of an object printed using cellulose. The inset shows the surface of the object.

3-D printing with cellulose

World’s most abundant polymer could rival petroleum-based plastics as source of printing feedstock.

March 3, 2017

“The best part of being on the show has definitely been the great outpouring of support the MIT community has given me,” says senior Lilly Chin, the newly crowned “Jeopardy!” College Champion.

MIT senior Lilly Chin wins “Jeopardy!” College Championship

Chin takes the $100,000 grand prize, surpassing 14 on-air contestants and thousands of applicants from colleges around the U.S.

February 24, 2017

Students harness the energy of an aluminum gallium fuel to develop new projects addressing industry needs.

A class with the feel of a startup

Engineering systems design and development course embodies the spirit of National Engineers Week.

February 23, 2017

Founded at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Sistine Solar creates custom solar panels designed to mimic home facades and other environments, as well as display custom designs, with aims of enticing more homeowners to install photovoltaic systems.

Solar panels get a face-lift with custom designs

Startup aims for wider U.S. solar adoption with photovoltaic panels that can display any image.

February 22, 2017

MIT professors Richard Braatz, J. Christopher Love, and Kripa Varanasi (pictured l-r) will collaborate with partners from University College London, and the University of Kansas to develop a next-generation manufacturing platform to produce certain vaccines for less than 15 cents a dose.

MIT undertakes Grand Challenge for innovation in global vaccine manufacturing

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awards MIT, University College London, and University of Kansas $17.6M for development and production of low-cost vaccines.

February 22, 2017

Left to right: Ashley Morishige, Tonio Buonassisi, and Mallory Jensen of the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering have identified defects that may be causing a promising type of high-efficiency silicon solar cell to generate decreasing amounts of electricity in sunlight and have made recommendations to manufacturers that may help prevent the problem. Here, the researchers display a silicon bri...

Advanced silicon solar cells

MIT mechanical engineers are leading an effort to detect defects that reduce efficiency.

February 17, 2017

Researchers have found that the hydrogel’s mostly watery environment helps keep nutrients and programmed bacteria alive and active. When the bacteria reacts to a certain chemical, the bacteria are programmed to light up, as seen on the left.

Living sensors at your fingertips

Cell-infused gloves and bandages light up when in contact with certain chemicals.

February 15, 2017

The MIT Hyperloop pod sits quietly before being pushed up to speed during its big test run.

Safe at any speed

MIT’s Hyperloop team levitates through its first test-run competition.

February 14, 2017

“This is a great class of new NAE members who are affiliated with MIT,” says Ian A. Waitz, dean of the School of Engineering and the Jerome C. Hunsaker Professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Eight MIT faculty elected to the National Academy of Engineering

New members have made advances in artificial skin, wireless communications, nanotechnology, hydrology, and cancer treatment.

February 10, 2017

Hock Tan '75 SM '75 (left) and Lisa Yang have made a commitment of $20 million to establish the Hock E. Tan and K. Lisa Yang Center for Autism Research at MIT's McGovern Institute.

New Center for Autism Research established at MIT’s McGovern Institute

A $20 million gift from Lisa Yang and Hock Tan ’75 SM ’75 will catalyze multidisciplinary autism research.

February 9, 2017

“The challenge is to design devices that can be made for a much lower cost, but that are still as robust and functional as those in the developed world,” senior Matthew Cavuto says.

Matthew Cavuto: Getting a leg up on engineering

MIT senior will use Marshall Scholarship to work on devices that enhance mobility for the disabled.

February 9, 2017

“Hydrogels are soft, wet, biocompatible, and can form more friendly interfaces with human organs,” says Xuanhe Zhao, associate professor of mechanical engineering and civil and environmental engineering at MIT.

Transparent, gel-based robots can catch and release live fish

Made from hydrogel, robots may one day assist in surgical operations, evade underwater detection.

February 1, 2017

J. Cressica Brazier, a graduate student in the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning, displays a tool she’s developing to provide users with feedback on their personal energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Research assistants at energy’s cutting edge

MIT graduate students in energy fields gain skills and advance knowledge while helping to move toward a low-carbon future.

January 31, 2017

Dawn Wendell, senior lecturer in mechanical engineering, helps a student during the motor debugging class in 6.A01 (Mens et Manus: Building on the Science Core).

Adding hands-on practice to science and engineering classes

A new advising seminar incorporates making and other types of hands-on learning to enhance first-year required courses.

January 30, 2017

Kevin Kung, a Tata Fellow and PhD candidate in biological engineering, feeds rice husks into the torrefaction reactor in his lab at MIT. A thermochemical process will convert the biomass to a more energy-dense form, making it easier to transport and use as fuel.

Tapping the hidden value of farm waste

MIT researchers are developing mobile torrefaction technology that can convert biomass into clean-burning fuel, unlocking potential income for farmers.

January 25, 2017

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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