New MIT Technique Unveils 3D Forces in Granular Materials

This groundbreaking method may enhance predictions of natural disasters and revolutionize material science.

MIT engineers develop a groundbreaking experimental technique for 3D visualization of forces in granular materials, potentially improving landslide and earthquake prediction.
The new method reveals how the shape of granular particles affects the material's stability, providing a microscopic explanation for the strength of angular particles over spherical ones.
This technique, supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, could revolutionize the understanding of granular materials in various fields, from geology to robotics.
The research highlights the importance of 3D visualization in accurately representing real-world granular materials, overcoming limitations of previous two-dimensional models.
Applications of this method extend beyond geology, potentially aiding in the design of new robotic grippers and understanding the behavior of fish eggs in water.