Lab sees the fun side of practical materials

Alab for materialogy at Tongji University’s Jiading campus is making things not only fun to play with but also practical to use in innovative ways.

It focuses on the application of metallic functional materials and its inventions attract people of all ages.

A “dancing” automobile first caught people’s attention. Yan Pengfei, maker of the car, demonstrated the use of the vehicle.

Apart from going forward, it can also move in all directions and even turn around in 360 degrees on the spot controlled by several buttons that are not seen in other cars. The core technology lies in the wheels integrated with 3D printing and the motor with independent intellectual property right.

The drive has been loaded on the wheels while light materials are applied to the overall car frame to increase flexibility. A smart application as well is installed to make unmanned driving possible.

However, this is only a small trick the motor can do. It can also be used for public transport, deliveries and area prospecting.

A mini cartridge 20 to 30 centimeters long is a favorite with children. When plugged in, it can shoot out a bean-size steel ball with great power, powerful enough to make a hole in the wall.

“It is actually an electromagnetic cartridge,” said Professor Yan Biao, vice director of the lab. “Compared to common cannon fired by gunpowder, this one has largely increased its speed and distance.”

He then showed a voice box that produced different sounds when attached to different surfaces like wood or glass. “This is a simple and small invention, but it helps children to learn the basic science,” Yan said.

There are many other materials in the lab that will also spark thinking and interest. A seemingly common spring has a memory to extend in warm environment and recover to original length in cold temperature, which is widely adopted in sensor driver systems.

The lab is open to the public and welcomes visitors.