Thursday, October 15, 2015

99% Air


According to a news report I read yesterday, the Boeing Corporation has created a "microlattice" metal compound that is strong, flexible, and 99.99% air. It is so light that it can, quite literally, sit atop a dandelion ...


Such a lightweight material would be of incalculable value in reducing the weight of rockets, aircraft, and other vehicles and devices where weight is a limiting factor (because, for example, of the cost of fuel to power a heavy airliner).

While this is a magnificent achievement in the world of metallurgy, with tremendous applications in many areas of construction, it should be remembered that something being 99.99% air is not so impressive in itself. After all, the GOP plans for tax reform and a replacement for Obamacare have consisted of 99.99%* air for a long time. And are far less useful.

Have a good day. Come back tomorrow for more Great Moments in Editing.

Bilbo

* At least.

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5 comments:

  1. eViL pOp TaRt7:17 AM

    Well, I am impressed! That is an amazing engineering feat! And it's easy to see how easily it can be applied to many weight solutions.

    Some clown may use this kind of material to make a 21st Century chastity belt, for example.

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  2. Chuck the Grumpy Cat9:40 AM

    Rumpled Stilt Skin on nitrous oxide must have fabricated the GOP substitute for Obamacare.

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  3. Mike10:50 AM

    News item year 2025: Boeing's new plane takes off at airshow. So light it can't land.

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  4. Elvis Wearing a Bra on His Head4:45 PM

    Engineering-wise, this has fabulous possibilities. One of the most interesting posts I have read!

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  5. allenwoodhaven6:39 PM

    I heard about this. Fascinating! I wonder what its properties are and what applications will be possible.

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