Imagine a liquid that can change its properties in milliseconds; this is the Programmable Meta-Fluids. At one moment it flows like water, and in the next, it becomes extremely thick. Or it can even transform from completely transparent to a completely light-blocking liquid. What we are describing here is not science fiction. But it is the latest development achieved by researchers from the John A.Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University in the field of materials science. They have engineered, for the first time ever, a programmable liquid.
Programmable Meta-Fluids
“We are just scratching the surface of what is possible with this new class of fluid. With this one platform, you could do so many different things in so many different fields.” stated Adel Djellouli, the Algerian researcher in materials science and mechanical engineering at the Harvard School of Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering, and lead author of the research paper on the topic published in the Nature journal .
The official name of this liquid, Programmable Meta-Liquid, refers to its unusual nature. The word “meta” here is a Greek word that means beyond or after; these liquids are more than just a state of matter. Additionally, they are a suspension, a mixture of a regular liquid and specially designed small molecules. These molecules are microscopic spheres made of a rubbery material called elastomer. Rather, these spheres allow the liquid to change its state based on the external pressure applied to it.
Think of it like a stress ball: the more you squeeze it with your hand, the more it shrinks, deforms, and becomes harder. Elastomer spheres interact similarly under pressure in the super-programmable liquid, which changes the behavior of the entire liquid. Moreover, when exposed to external pressure, the spheres clump together, making the liquid more solid and resistant to flow.
Endless Possibilities: Applications of Super-Programmable Fluids
This ability to control the properties of a liquid opens up a world of possibilities. Here are some of the important applications:
- Smart Shock Absorption: Imagine cars with shock absorbers that adapt to road bumps. Since using programmable fluids, the liquid can solidify when exposed to a large shock, providing more absorption, and then soften for small shocks for a smoother ride and greater protection for the car.
- Programmable Robots: Robots with more adaptable movements can be built using these fluids. The liquid can change its viscosity (thickness) to allow for more precise or powerful movements, depending on the task at hand.
- Light Control Devices: The ability to manipulate the interaction of light with the liquid opens the door for new optical devices. Imagine windows that can switch from transparent to opaque or lenses that automatically adjust their focus.
Finally, research on programmable fluids is still in its early stages, but the possibilities are endless. Scientists are still looking for the best ways to effectively control these fluids and improve their stability. But one thing remains certain: these programmable fluids will revolutionize many fundamental fields from engineering to medicine.
Article by: Djamil Kerrouche
