INTELLIGENT MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES

INTELLIGENT MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES

Abstract 
 
The paper presents a review of literature on intelligent materials (also called smart or active materials) and structures. Intelligent materials describe a group of material systems with unique properties. These materials respond with a change in shape upon application of an externally driving force. Typically this shape change is reflected in an elongation of the sample .Smartness of materials or structures describe their selfadaptability, self-sensing, memory and multiple functionality. These characteristics provide numerous possible applications for these materials and structures in aerospace, manufacturing processes, civil infrastructure systems, and biomechanics. Active vibration and acoustic transmission control and active damage control are some of those areas which have found attractive applications for active materials and structures.