"MIT's Unbreakable Microscopic Metamaterials Resist Supersonic Impacts"
MIT engineers are conducting high-speed experiments to test the resilience of microscopic metamaterials against supersonic impacts, finding that specific microstructures outperform solid materials in resisting such impacts. By firing microparticles at supersonic speeds, the team identified metamaterial architectures that are more resilient to impacts, with some structures being able to withstand impacts up to twice as much as bulk material. The researchers hope to use this rapid testing method to identify new metamaterial designs for stronger and lighter protective gear, garments, coatings, and paneling.