What are the most interesting research topics in materials science/engineering with industry applications right now or in the near future?
My answer will be biased toward metallurgy, as material science is such a wide field it's pretty hard to keep up with developments outside your specialization. That said..Electronic properties: There is a ton of research into electronic properties right now and the vast majority of it is aimed at industry applications. Quantum dots, nano-wire sensors, photovoltaics, and LED's are huge topics right now and the advances made in them are often directly translated into industry applications.Titanium aerospace applications: Despite having numerous titanium alloys for aerospace 80-90% of airplanes still use Ti-64. The conservative nature and high cost of airplane development made refining the use of a safe well established alloy a safer bet than using relatively untried alloys. The development of linear friction and friction stir welding have made opened new ways of joining Ti alloys, and the push for lighter, higher operating temperature engines is pushing development of high temperature Ti alloys.3D printing: Additive manufacturing offers a huge range on benefits for metal parts including in piece compositional variation, new part geometries, and complicated internal channels. The huge downsides right now are porosity and the poorly understood effect each pass has of the heat effected zone of previous layers, meaning there is a huge opportunity to make advances with direct applications.Nanoscale machining: The modern dual beam FIB allows nanoscale machining and manipulation, and is used in applications ranging from microchip circuit testing and repair to micro-scale tensile tests to shaping diamond tips for micro lathes. Microchip companies like Intel have entire floors of dual beam FIBs working round the clock for testing and quality assurance. The FIB has also opened doors in the biomedical field, allowing researchers to create samples from materials as diverse as human hair and mouse brains.
What is the most beautiful word in the English language and why?
(TAH•bloh)"The serene tableau appeared unspoiled by humans."(uh•poth•ee•OH•sis)"The autobiography was viewed as the literary apotheosis of narcissism."(spawr, spohr)"The snail's slimy spoor was spotted across the terrain."(vih•RAH•goh)"Some days her inner virago is ready to take on the world."(pur•AM•byu•leyt)"She likes to perambulate the backwoods to clear her mind."(LEHV•ih•tee)"Despised by some, others find clowns bring levity to serious situations."(mag•NAN•eh•mehs)"His magnanimous gestures meant the world to his grandfather."(bee•AT •ih•tood)"Surrounded by nature's delicacy, everlasting calmness and beatitude slowly seeped in."(EE•den)"They were fully immersed in the tranquil Eden surrounding them."(hek•SEE•ih•tee)"Her quirky style and big hair only added to her haecceity."(dih•SPOHRT)"Partying with friends is a great weekend disport."(ih•THEE•ree•uhl)"The ethereal dance of the northern lights is a mesmerizing experience."(ken•VIV•ee•uhl)"The convivial duo was truly inseparable."(MAW•pit)"The moppet and her friend shared many great adventures together."(ZA•neh•doo)"The couple found their Xanadu in a secluded island."(SAAN•gwin)"Feeling sanguine about her breakup, she's ready to enjoy her newly found freedom."(oh•TUR)"An auteur without creative restriction is free to produce unique work."(yohk)"The couple wanted to yoke themselves and never be apart."Source: wordinaireP.S. I didn't mention my most favourite word - Serendipity - because it has already been mentioned in quite a few answers to this question.