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.

  • scala@lemmy.mlEnglish
    5·
    1 year ago

    Not far-fetched at all. Metal has memory. Which is how body shops warp metal back to normal on body work after a collision, as long as it’s not too far gone.

    • blabber6285@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      5·
      1 year ago

      There’s different kind of “memories” when talking about metals but this is probably not related to that. What I suspect happened is cold fusion in a very clean environment without oxygen (or very low oxygen) where oxidation doesn’t happen, allowing the very very small fractures to reattach.