Productivity of a system is characterized by uptime, output, and efficiency. Designers, component makers, and end users all contribute to (or hinder) Productivity of a system is characterized by ...

Advanced polymers let designers replace metals in large, complex gear sets that can carry heavy loads and survive harsh environments. Plastic gears have had a successful run in automobiles, appliances ...

The flow of optical power in and around the seven-nanoparticle "gear" of the optical matter machine. Courtesy: N Scherer A new device that converts laser light into mechanical work could be used to ...

Researchers have utilized a catalytic reaction that causes a two-dimensional, chemically-coated sheet to spontaneously 'morph' into a three-dimensional gear that performs sustained work. The gear is ...