Crossing disciplines, adding fresh eyes to nuclear engineering
PhD student Limiao Zhang sees surprising connections between the behavior of cars and bubbles.
Vinny Fry: Wired for success
MIT engineer oversees design and testing of key magnet components for the Institute's SPARC fusion project.
MIT-designed project achieves major advance toward fusion energy
New superconducting magnet breaks magnetic field strength records, paving the way for practical, commercial, carbon-free power.
The boiling crisis — and how to avoid it
PhD student Madhumitha Ravichandran identifies the three main factors that trigger the boiling crisis through machine learning models.
Using graphene foam to filter toxins from drinking water
MIT-led research team fashions graphene foam into device that can extract uranium and other heavy metals from tap water.
Vapor-collection technology saves water while clearing the air
System could reclaim pure water from power plant cooling towers; at-scale prototypes tested on MIT facilities have proven effective.
Amy Watterson: Model engineer
The Plasma Science and Fusion Center mechanical engineer embraces her role in modeling fusion magnets and in promoting engineering to young women.
Investigating materials for safe, secure nuclear power
A longstanding interest in radiation’s effects on metals has drawn Michael Short into new areas such as nuclear security and microreactors.
Manipulating magnets in the quest for fusion
After decades of plasma physics research, Senior Research Scientist Brian LaBombard is taking on magnets for MIT’s new fusion effort.
Waging a two-pronged campaign against climate change
With MIGHTR, PhD student W. Robb Stewart aims to speed construction of new nuclear plants to help decarbonize the economy.
Infrared cameras and artificial intelligence provide insight into boiling
MIT researchers train a neural network to predict a “boiling crisis,” with potential applications for cooling computer chips and nuclear reactors.
3Q: Why “nuclear batteries” offer a new approach to carbon-free energy
Jacopo Buongiorno and others say factory-built microreactors trucked to usage sites could be a safe, efficient option for decarbonizing electricity systems.
A graduate student who goes to extremes
Whether testing high-field fusion magnets or his own physical endurance, Theo Mouratidis pushes the limits.
On course to create a fusion power plant
How an MIT engineering course became an incubator for fusion design innovations.
Seeking enhanced materials for nuclear reactors
Fifth-year nuclear science and engineering graduate student Arunkumar Seshadri looks to develop materials and fuels that can better withstand the extreme conditions in nuclear reactors.