Burnishing Techniques Strengthen Hip Implants
It might seem counterintuitive, but stress can make materials sturdier. A technique demonstrated with NASA funding applies a deep layer of compressive residual stress to strengthen hip implants and increase their lifespan by 100 times.
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Tail Rotor Airfoils Stabilize Helicopters, Reduce Noise
Virtually every flying vehicle in operation has benefited from NASA advancements, and the helicopter is no exception. Airfoils designed and wind-tunnel tested at Langley Research Center have a lifetime twice that of the original equipment manufacturer blade and reduce noise by 40 percent.
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Rocket-Powered Parachutes Rescue Entire Planes
NASA-funded technology has saved 261 lives to date. A whole aircraft parachute system, capable of arresting the descent of a small aircraft, deploys in less than one second to lower small aircraft safely to the ground.
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Aerogels Insulate Against Extreme Temperatures
In its pure form, aerogel feels like fragile pumice. Because of its insulating properties, NASA worked with a private company to develop a flexible form of the material. New applications now protect people’s hands and feet.
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Stitching Techniques Advance Optics Manufacturing
To look deep into space, NASA telescopes require large, specialized mirrors. While NASA funding helped to advance the equipment used to make such specialized mirrors for the Agency’s needs, it also enabled the optics industry to make and measure the parts it needed.
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Contact: Spinoff Team