In Granular System, Tiniest Grains Absorb Shocks 'Like a Sponge'

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This simulation exposes the complex nature of shock propagation from one to twenty millionths of a second: while the red and yellow areas show the brunt of the force the sound wave generated by the shock impacts grains further down the chain shown in ...
This simulation exposes the complex nature of shock propagation from one to twenty millionths of a second: while the red and yellow areas show the brunt of the force, the sound wave generated by the shock impacts grains further down the chain, shown in green. Credit: University at Buffalo

A University at Buffalo theoretical physicist who published research in 2001 demonstrating that it someday may be possible to build bridges, buildings and other structures that are nearly blast-proof, now has published results based on computer simulations showing how a shock-absorption system might be constructed to accomplish that goal.


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