Penn State researchers use ultrasound to control orientation of small particles

two men reviewing research findings on a laptop in a lab.

By Sarah Small

Acoustic waves may be able to control how particles sort themselves. While researchers have been able to separate particles based on their shape — for example, bacteria from other cells — for years, the ability to control their movement has remained a largely unsolved problem, until now. Using ultrasound technology and a nozzle, Penn State researchers have separated, controlled and ejected different particles based on their shape and various properties.  

Mechanical engineering meets electromagnetics to enable future technology

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Reconfigurable antennas — those that can tune properties like frequency or radiation beams in real time, from afar — are integral to future communication network systems, like 6G. But many current reconfigurable antenna designs can fall short: they malfunction in high or low temperatures, have power limitations or require regular servicing.  

Timothy Simpson

Timothy Simpson

Paul Morrow Professor in Engineering Design and Manufacturing, Professor in Mechanical Engineering

(e) tws8@psu.edu
(o) 814-863-7136
205 Leonhard

Richard Martukanitz

Richard Martukanitz

Director of Penn State's Center for Innovative Materials Processing through Direct Digital Deposition and Head, Laser Processing Division, ARL

(e) rxm44@psu.edu
(o) 814-863-7282
4400D Applied Science Building

Guha Manogharan

Guha Manogharan

Associate Professor of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

(e) gum53@psu.edu
(o) 814-863-7273
232 Reber Building

https://sites.psu.edu/shapelab/
Allison Beese

Allison Beese

Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering

Future Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing: Multidisciplinary Teaming and Adoption of Emerging Technologies

https://research.matse.psu.edu/beese/
Amrita Basak

Amrita Basak

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

(e) aub1526@psu.edu
(o) 814-863-1323
233 Reber Building

https://sites.psu.edu/basaklabpsu/