There’s an old saying that goes a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. While usually this is a metaphor to illustrate the importance of teamwork, it has a more literal interpretation that also applies. The military relies on the strength of its equipment to support the might of its service members. If that equipment is old, or outdated, or inefficient, that weak link can have disastrous effects.
So, in order to get the best bullet proof vests, the best electronics, the best vehicle armor they can get, you have to go out and find the best materials. A group of scientists and engineers at the Army Research Lab are turning this thinking on its head.
Instead of just scavenging raw materials from the environment, they’re designing them. One atom at a time.
Video produced by DoD News, a Defense Media Activity Production
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