MIT researchers found that high-velocity struck metals become stronger when heated, potentially improving materials for spacecraft, hypersonic aircraft, and high-speed equipment.

MIT researchers discovered that when metals are struck at high velocities, they become stronger when heated. This research, published in Nature, demonstrates that under extreme impacts, normally softer metals like copper can be just as strong as steel. This new finding could lead to the development of stronger materials for spacecraft shields, hypersonic aircraft, and high-speed manufacturing equipment.