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Iron Alloy Could Create Earthquake-Proof Buildings

Posted by samzenpus on from the shake-all-you-want dept.

separsons writes "Researchers at Japan's Tohoku University designed a new shape memory metal alloy. The super elastic iron alloy can endure serious stretching and still return to its original shape. The scientists say that once optimized, the material could be used in everything from braces to medical stents to earthquake-proof buildings!"

4 of 107 comments (clear)

  1. So far removed from the original article by nickersonm · · Score: 5, Informative

    Original article, after following three backlinks: http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE62I4AE20100319

    1. Re:So far removed from the original article by Mindcontrolled · · Score: 4, Informative

      Actually - reuters mentions the really original paper, which is here, in this weeks Science edition.

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      Ubi solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant.
  2. TFA short on details by wizardforce · · Score: 4, Informative

    Here's a page with a bit more detail. These alloys are of similar composition to stainless steel and tend to have very high levels of Nickel and a little Chromium tossed in for good measure. Shape memory alloys work by utilizing a crystal structure phase transition that causes stress in the alloy to re-align which basically is responsible for the shape change.

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    Sigs are too short to say anything truly profound so read the above post instead.
  3. Re:not they aren't by MrNaz · · Score: 3, Informative

    No, it won't be better. Think about why the metal is there. If the metal in the concrete is too flexible, the greater brittleness of the concrete will result in the concrete cracking and breaking due to the metal not providing sufficient support.

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    I hate printers.