Illumin Magazine – USC Viterbi School of Engineering https://illumin.usc.edu Illumin Magazine - USC Viterbi School of Engineering Sun, 17 May 2026 06:10:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://illumin.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cropped-illumin_logo_site_icon-32x32.png Illumin Magazine – USC Viterbi School of Engineering https://illumin.usc.edu 32 32 Living Skins: Nature-Inspired Architecture for a Sustainable Future https://illumin.usc.edu/living-skins-nature-inspired-architecture-for-a-sustainable-future/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=living-skins-nature-inspired-architecture-for-a-sustainable-future&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=living-skins-nature-inspired-architecture-for-a-sustainable-future Fri, 29 May 2026 16:00:37 +0000 https://illumin.usc.edu/?p=4987 Cities around the world are heating up at unprecedented rates, intensifying the urban heat island effect and increasing our reliance on air conditioning systems. This paper examines how architects are turning to nature’s strategies to design bio-inspired facades that help buildings cool, light, and ventilate themselves more efficiently in a […]

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]]> The Ground Effect: An Analysis of Aerodynamics and Overtaking of Formula 1 Cars https://illumin.usc.edu/the-ground-effect-an-analysis-of-aerodynamics-and-overtaking-of-formula-1-cars/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-ground-effect-an-analysis-of-aerodynamics-and-overtaking-of-formula-1-cars&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-ground-effect-an-analysis-of-aerodynamics-and-overtaking-of-formula-1-cars Fri, 15 May 2026 16:00:31 +0000 https://illumin.usc.edu/?p=4945 This article examines the aerodynamic phenomenon of the ground effect and its influence on the performance and overtaking dynamics of Formula 1 (F1) cars. This analysis examines how F1 teams enhance cornering speed by utilizing airflow behavior near the ground to generate additional downforce. Ground effect emerges from accelerated airflow […]

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]]> Common Threads Between Knitting and Engineering https://illumin.usc.edu/common-threads-between-knitting-and-engineering/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=common-threads-between-knitting-and-engineering&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=common-threads-between-knitting-and-engineering Fri, 01 May 2026 16:00:24 +0000 https://illumin.usc.edu/?p=4881 Knitting is a textile craft that bridges art, engineering, and computation together. From the binary structure of stitch patterns, to the mechanical properties of knitted garments, this craft is rooted in scientific principles that provide garments with different forms and functions. Understanding the science of knitting inspires modern day engineering innovations, showcasing knitting’s interdisciplinary nature that weaves creativity with science.

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]]> Editors’ Note – Volume XXVI Issue I https://illumin.usc.edu/editors-note-volume-xxvi-issue-i/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=editors-note-volume-xxvi-issue-i&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=editors-note-volume-xxvi-issue-i Thu, 26 Feb 2026 20:56:00 +0000 https://illumin.usc.edu/?p=4854 Beneath the surface of everyday life lies a world of engineering and science that defines how we understand and engage with the world around us. In this issue, we traverse present and future technologies ahead, from the perfume we spray and the GPS in our phones to 3D printed housing […]

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]]> How Reusable Rockets Land And Why It Matters https://illumin.usc.edu/how-reusable-rockets-land-and-why-it-matters/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-reusable-rockets-land-and-why-it-matters&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-reusable-rockets-land-and-why-it-matters Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:39:36 +0000 https://illumin.usc.edu/?p=4845 Reusable rockets will have profound effects on the future of the human race because they are –and will continue– to reduce the cost of sending matter off Earth. This will eventually lead to important new products and services that take advantage of access to space, and with sufficient cost reduction […]

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]]> Sleep Smarter: The Technology Behind Better Rest https://illumin.usc.edu/sleep-smarter-the-technology-behind-better-rest/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sleep-smarter-the-technology-behind-better-rest&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sleep-smarter-the-technology-behind-better-rest Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:14:41 +0000 https://illumin.usc.edu/?p=4836 Over time, people have become more aware of the importance of sleep [1]. Adequate sleep allows the brain, body, and mind to rest and rejuvenate [2]. However, despite advancements in sleep technologies, sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common [3]. Smart mattresses offer a potential solution by adapting to an individual’s […]

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]]> Beyond Fragrance: The Engineering Behind Modern Perfume Design https://illumin.usc.edu/beyond-fragrance-the-engineering-behind-modern-perfume-design/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beyond-fragrance-the-engineering-behind-modern-perfume-design&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beyond-fragrance-the-engineering-behind-modern-perfume-design Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:52:24 +0000 https://illumin.usc.edu/?p=4832 The Art and Science of Fragrance On your way back home, you decide to pick up a snack from the gas station. As you walk into the shop packed full of various beverages and food, you are greeted by the smell of freshly baked sugar cookies. They smell heavenly, and […]

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]]> 3D Printing: The Sustainable Answer to Affordable Housing? https://illumin.usc.edu/3d-printing-the-sustainable-answer-to-affordable-housing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3d-printing-the-sustainable-answer-to-affordable-housing&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3d-printing-the-sustainable-answer-to-affordable-housing Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:59:35 +0000 https://illumin.usc.edu/?p=4811 Unaffordable housing remains a growing issue and is expected to worsen over time due to natural disasters, economic instability, and lack of affordable and rapid construction solutions. 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) has emerged as a promising solution capable of building structures in a quick and cost-effective manner. This article dives […]

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]]> Why Your GPS Sometimes Lies: The Engineering Challenges of Navigation https://illumin.usc.edu/why-your-gps-sometimes-lies-the-engineering-challenges-of-navigation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-your-gps-sometimes-lies-the-engineering-challenges-of-navigation&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-your-gps-sometimes-lies-the-engineering-challenges-of-navigation Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:13:50 +0000 https://illumin.usc.edu/?p=4796 This paper explores the surprising imperfections of a navigation system most of us trust daily. While Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is widely considered precise, it often falls short due to complex engineering challenges, such as atmospheric interference, urban signal reflections, and timing errors. This article investigates the scientific and […]

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]]> Cloud gaming: a viable alternative, or a cloudy future? https://illumin.usc.edu/cloud-gaming-a-viable-alternative-or-a-cloudy-future/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cloud-gaming-a-viable-alternative-or-a-cloudy-future&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cloud-gaming-a-viable-alternative-or-a-cloudy-future Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:24 +0000 https://illumin.usc.edu/?p=4773 Cloud gaming has long been touted as an alternative to traditional gaming setups, promising users the ability to play the most popular games without having to shoulder the cost of expensive hardware. This is done by streaming the game via a remote data center onto one’s local hardware, reducing the […]

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