Smart Materials

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that smart materials are devices, which can sense various stimuli from outer environment such as thermal, electrical and magnetic changes and can respond accordingly; basically, they are materials that sense and respond like living things. The author points out that two families of passive seismic control devices exploiting the peculiar properties of SMA kernel components have been implemented and tested within the MANSIDE project (Memory Alloys for New Seismic Isolation and Energy Dissipation Devices: Special braces for framed structures and isolation devices for buildings and bridges. The paper states that, with these smart materials, engineers are able to build the best and safest structures where possible catastrophic changes in the environment are sensed and precautions are taken directly. 10 figures.

Table of Contents
Introduction
What is a Smart Material?
Types of Smart Materials
Classification Based on Input
Electrical Fields
Thermal Fields
Magnetic Fields
Comparison Based on Output
Strain
Changes in Other Properties
Applications
In Civil Engineering
Uses of Shape Memory Alloys
Smart Concrete
In Other Areas
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The first experimental demonstration of the piezoelectric properties in relation to crystal structure was published in 1880 by Pierre and Jacques Curie. This effect was considered quite important and was referred to as "piezoelectricity" in order to distinguish it from other areas of scientific phenomenological experience such as "pyroelectricity" (electricity generated from crystals by heating). As an aside, piezoelectrics also tend to be pyroelectrics. The Curie brothers did not predict that crystals exhibiting the direct piezoelectric effect (electricity from applied stress) would also exhibit the converse piezoelectric effect (stress in response to applied electric field). This property was mathematically deduced and hypothesized by Lippmann in 1881. The Curies then confirmed the existence of the converse effect, and continued on to obtain quantitative proof of the complete reversibility of mechanical deformations in piezoelectric crystals."

More papers on Smart Materials:

• Essay # 26914 : "Smart Systems and Magnetostrictive Actuators"
• Essay # 74396 : "The Efficiency of Smart Buildings"
• Research Paper # 100190 : "Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production"

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