Aeroplane wings to be made out of glass
Scientists believe aeroplanes could soon have wings made from glass.
Experts from the University of Bristol claim research into the nature of glass has shown the material could improve the reliability of planes.
They say that while it looks and feels solid, glass is actually a 'jammed' state of matter that moves very slowly. While atoms approach their destinations they never quite reach it.
This means that by replicating the same internal structure in new 'metallic glasses' could be made to have more flexibility.
"Metallic glasses could be suitable for a whole range of products that need to be flexible such as aircraft wings, golf clubs and engine parts." said a spokesman for the research.
Dr Paddy Royall added: "Some materials crystallize as they cool, arranging their atoms into a highly regular pattern called a lattice.
"But although glass 'wants' to be a crystal, as it cools the atoms become jammed in a nearly random arrangement, preventing it from forming a regular lattice."
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