I know that a few days ago we started talking about earthquakes and how our area could possibly be affected by one in the future (depending on when that happens..). When I saw this article, it immediately reminded me of this conversation we had and made me feel a bit more safe :)
The invisibility cloak, obviously, doesn't refer to the kind that Harry Potter uses. It is a term that is being used by those at the University of Liverpool who have developed a new technology that could help buildings avoid damage during earthquakes. It involves using concentric rings of plastic that are fitted to the Earth's surface at the foundations of buildings to divert the path of seismic waves produced by an earthquake. Seismic waves are classified into two types: surface waves that travel across the Earth's surface and body waves that travel through the Earth. Waves that pass through this "cloak" of plastic rings are compressed and forced into an arc that goes around the building instead of through it (making the building "invisible" to the waves).
Sizes of waves are also called into consideration. The rings are adjustable and have elasticity that allows them to move so waves can "bounce" off of them. After the waves are directed around the building, they return to their regular size. Unfortunately, though, the "cloak" doesn't get rid of the waves, it only deflects them. If this new technology could be applied to the majority of buildings in a densely populated area, many buildings wouldn't collapse and lives could be saved.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720105125.htm
That's such a good idea! Hopefully it can work to deflect the earthquakes, it would save a ton of money that the earthquakes can cause in damages.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is really interesting! Who knew that an invisibility cloak could work outside Hogwarts...!
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