A University of Oklahoma research team is developing smart lost circulation materials that use shape memory polymers activated by geothermal temperatures to prevent the loss of fluid in fractured rocks near the wellbore. These materials expand within the fractures to reduce non-drilling time and strengthen the wellbore in high-temperature drilling operations.
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The Horus Project
Standing over Robert Palmer’s desk is an Egyptian icon called Horus, considered one of the ancient world’s most significant deities. With a magnificent, all-seeing eye, it symbolizes protection, power, and health.
While Horus may have been born in antiquity, Palmer and his team of young researchers believe the all-seeing eye is still around today, but in a different form. Back then, Horus was a god. Now, Horus is an idea.
Research News
July 15, 2019
OU Research Team Developing New Methodology and Smart Wellbore Materials for Geothermal Drilling
July 9, 2019
OU’s Radar Team Developing Automated Calibration System for Driverless Automobiles
A University of Oklahoma Advanced Radar Research Center team is collaborating with Metawave, a California company, to develop a newly-designed radar that has the potential to serve as one of the most important sensors in the future of the automotive industry. The OU team assisted with the automation of the calibration system used to electronically steer antennas when making critical driving decisions quickly, safely and smoothly.
June 24, 2019
OU Study Explores ‘Rainbow Wave’ and Identity Gaps in LGBTQ Liberal Political Perspectives
A University of Oklahoma study explores the so-called ‘rainbow wave’ of LGBTQ voters that emerged during the Trump presidency. Specifically, the study examines sexual, gender and queer identity gaps in liberalism among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults collected by Survey Sampling International after the November 2018 polls. The OU study works toward a deeper understanding of the political motivations of LGBTQ people.
June 19, 2019
OU Physicists Shed Light on Novel Mott State Observed in Twisted Graphene Bilayers at the 'Magic Angle'
A University of Oklahoma physics group sheds light on a novel Mott state observed in twisted graphene bilayers at the ‘magic angle’ in a recent study just published in Physical Review Letters. OU physicists show the Mott state in graphene bilayers favors ferromagnetic alignment of the electron spins, a phenomenon unheard of in conventional Mott insulators, and a new concept on the novel insulating state observed in twisted graphene bilayers.
May 13, 2019
OU-Led Study Expands Understanding of Bacterial Communities for Global Next-Generation Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Systems
A University of Oklahoma-led interdisciplinary global study expands the understanding of activated sludge microbiomes for next-generation wastewater treatment and reuse systems enhanced by microbiome engineering. Wastewater treatment and reuse are critical to global health and sustaining a world population predicted to reach 10 billion by 2050.
May 2, 2019
OU Study on Explosive Volcanism as Driver of Earth’s Ice Age Provides Lessons for Today’s Rising CO2 Levels
A University of Oklahoma-led study recently found that explosive volcanic eruptions were at least 3-8 times more frequent during the peak of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age (~360 to 260 million years ago). Aerosols produced by explosive volcanism helped keep large ice sheets stable, even when CO2 levels increased, by blocking sunlight. But the volcanic emissions also may have started a cascade of effects on the climate system that resulted in additional CO2 removal from the atmosphere.
