Sandia LabNews

How to multitask when nuclear nonproliferation is on the line

New cognitive science research from Sandia shows that while maps can help you identify landmarks while being escorted, using one also limits situational awareness and knowledge of surroundings not on the map. This finding is one of several coming from a three-year project that paired cognitive scientists and nuclear safeguards experts to conduct human performance tests and develop recommendations for inspectors.

Automating complex 3D modeling

A team of researchers led by Sandia has invented a first-of-its-kind software for scientists to create accurate digital representations, or meshes, of complex objects. The new software, VoroCrust, offers a novel way to meshes used by scientists in many disciplines to create geometric models of all kinds of parts, from rotors to wheels to protective equipment.

Innovate New Mexico features two Sandia inventors

The seventh annual Innovate New Mexico Technology Showcase gave researchers from institutions across the state the opportunity to pitch technologies to industry representatives and investors. Sandia sponsored the event this year, and two Labs researchers presented along with 10 scientists from six additional organizations.

Engineering success through predicting failure

Around the world, materials scientists and engineers are trying different ways to predict fractures in ductile metals, but it’s not clear which approach is most accurate. To compare the different methods, Sandia researchers have presented three voluntary challenges to their colleagues: Given the same basic information about the shape, composition and loading of a metal part, could they predict how it would eventually fracture?