Look Who it Was Random video

Engineering with Elasticity

4,563 views · Published 27 October 2014 · 3:50 · Indexed 28 October 2026

Channel: Michigan Engineering · 2014 · Science & Technology

Watch on YouTube

Michigan Engineers are harnessing the natural elasticity of materials to develop structures that are strong and flexible at the same time. Their research in elastofluidics has led to prototypes of soft robots and machinery that are safer to work with and require far fewer parts.

When most people think of the word elasticity, aluminum and titanium don’t come to mind. However, these materials along with other composites can be used to make mechanical structures strong and flexible at the same time. Examples in nature, like an elephant trunk or an octopus leg, demonstrate how versatile and efficient soft structures can be. Flexible mechanical structures require fewer parts, which reduces the chance for pieces to break and things to go wrong. They are lighter, less complex and minimize the assembly process. From windshield wipers to airplane wings and soft robots, engineers are already demonstrating the benefits of engineering with elasticity. 

ABOUT THE PROFESSOR:
Sridhar Kota (https://me-web2.engin.umich.edu/pub/directory/bio?uniqname=kota) is the Herrick Professor of Manufacturing Engineering and professor of Mechanical Engineering (http://me.engin.umich.edu/) University of Michigan College of Engineering (http://www.engin.umich.edu/college/). His research areas include Bio-inspired engineering design. Topology, size and shape optimization of complaint mechanisms - product design for no-assembly, adaptive structures and MEMS. Electromechanical systems design, design for manufacturability. Public policy and advanced manufacturing. (http://csdl.engin.umich.edu/kota/)

More from this channel