Computer modeling

Crash-testing lithium-ion batteriesLaboratory crash tests show both vulnerabilities and ways to improve the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Decoding the structure of boneMIT researchers decipher the molecular basis of bone’s remarkable strength and resiliency; work could lead to new treatments and materials.

Research update: A new model accurately predicts three-dimensional sand flowModel may be useful in improving the flow of grain in silos, and drug capsules in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Making cloud computing more efficientFor database-driven applications, new software could reduce hardware requirements by 95 percent while actually improving performance.

A new ‘branch’ of mathResearchers find a common angle and tipping point of branching valley networks.

Ocean currents play a role in predicting extent of Arctic sea iceDiscovery of feedback between sea ice and ocean improves Arctic ice extent forecast.

Profile: Ju Li explores new nanomaterialsWorking from the scale of atoms on up, he designs materials for future energy applications.

Probing the mysteries of cracks and stressesAnalysis of molecular-level fracture and stress mechanisms could have broad implications for understanding materials’ behavior.

When it rains, it poursStudy estimates rate of intensification of extreme tropical rainfall with global warming.

Civil engineers find savings where the rubber meets the roadStudy shows that pavement deflection under vehicle tires makes for a continuous uphill drive that increases fuel consumption.

MIT awarded more than $2 million in NEUP grants, fellowshipsIncludes $1.65 million in Department of Energy Nuclear Energy University Programs grants and $450,000 in graduate student fellowships.

New nuclear science and engineering faculty drive curriculum expansion into computational science and engineering

Shifting sandsNew model predicts how sand and other granular materials flow.

Testing unbuilt chipsA new software-simulation system promises much more accurate evaluation of promising — but potentially fault-ridden — multicore-chip designs.

Mysterious electron acceleration explainedComputer simulation identifies source of aurora-causing high-speed electrons in space

Researchers create first large-scale model of human mobility that incorporates human natureWork is broadly applicable to studies of commuting, migration, freight, even epidemics.

Emilio Baglietto: Better reactors grow from better simulations

Speed limit for birdsMIT researchers find critical speed above which birds — and drones — are sure to crash.

Here comes the sunA new sunflower-inspired pattern increases concentrated solar efficiency.

Modeling the spread of radioactivity in seawaterResearchers funded by MIT Sea Grant develop model to examine near-shore and open-ocean circulation.

Need a new material? New tool can helpExhaustive reference system and interactive toolkit could revolutionize materials research, potentially enabling new types of manufacturing.

Ju Li: Atomic insights for new materials development

Kord Smith brings 30 years of simulation insight to NSE

Escaping legacy IT systemsSophisticated computer model lets corporate IT managers evaluate upgrades and reconfigurations without risking the stability of their networks.

Felix Parra returns to fusion program

Forecasting pipe fracturesMIT simulation accurately reconstructs pipe fractures formed in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon accident.