In "Star Trek: Voyage Home" we learn from Cmdr. Scott that there is such a thing as 'Transparent Aluminum' - I always assumed (as did my buds) that this meant a metal alloy with the aspects of glass. BUT what if they could work it the other way?? Glass with the aspects/characteristics of metal? What then?
Well ask no more!
Discovery News : Discovery Channel : Metal-Like Glass Examined:
Add this to the Flying Saucer of the previous story -- Holy Crap!!"For decades, scientists have known that when glass cools from a molten state the atoms become jammed in a random pattern, whereas the atoms in metals form a regular, crystal lattice structure...
...The jammed random arrangement of atoms in glass is what makes it very strong, but brittle. Metals form a regular crystal lattice pattern, which allows them to be distorted or bent, but makes them less strong and prone to metal failure. Combining the two materials to form a metallic glass alloy, could result in a material that has strength and flexibility...."
Okay -- reality check .... its still a ways off, but we are soooo close.
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