Smart Materials

Generally speaking, the term "smart" or "intelligent" material systems refers to man-made structural systems inspired by natural models.  Natural systems display numerous admirable qualities smart material systems emulate: precision, efficacy, functionality, durability and adaptability.  Other words used to describe this discipline are: adaptronics, structronics, multifunctional structures, and adaptive materials and structures. 

To achieve these standards, smart material systems employ three basic tools.  Sensors, analogous to the human nervous system, register important internal and external information.  Actuators (motors) perform work like muscles.  Finally, computerized control centers act as the brains of a system, making decisions and issuing orders.

A routine example of a smart structure is an aircraft panel fitted with a piezoceramic material acting both as a sensor and an actuator by using both the forward and backward piezoelectric effect.  A control system is added that allows the system to sense and cancel motion in the plate providing the plate with new functionality.  The plate can also examine its own integrity and its control system can respond accordingly.

The combination of these features gives us a "smart" system.  Such systems not only gather information and perform tasks, but also sense condition changes and adapt accordingly.  Such systems offer tremendous practical advantages to industrial users as well as exciting academic opportunities for scientists.