Scientists for the first time have witnessed pieces of metal crack, then fuse back together without any human intervention, overturning fundamental scientific theories in the process. If the newly discovered phenomenon can be harnessed, it could usher in an engineering revolution—one in which self-healing engines, bridges and airplanes could reverse damage caused by wear and tear, making them safer and longer-lasting.

‘Stunning’ discovery: Metals can heal themselves::Scientists for the first time have witnessed pieces of metal crack, then fuse back together without any human intervention, overturning fundamental scientific theories in the process. If the newly discovered phenomenon can be harnessed, it could usher in an engineering revolution—one in which self-healing engines, bridges and airplanes could reverse damage caused by wear and tear, making them safer and longer-lasting.

  • blackluster117@possumpat.ioEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    The issue is that, from my understanding, it needs to be in a low/no oxygen environment to prevent the oxidized layer that forms and blocks the metal from fusing. I’ve heard from interviews with astronauts that they can re-fuse chunks of metal in space by just pushing them back together.

    • twack@lemmy.worldEnglish
      7·
      1 year ago

      “Autonomous healing of fatigue cracks via cold welding”

      That’s the literal name of the paper. I’m quite over this story getting pumped around the internet. This is not news. This is not novel.

      Also, this particular source leaving out the fact that the experiment was performed under vacuum is especially deceitful.

    • blabber6285@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      5·
      1 year ago

      Yeah and preventing that from happening in space is rather complex task. Especially on parts that grind against each other causing the existing oxidized layer to wear off.