Smart Materials

Smart Materials and Technologies

Smart Materials also referred to as hybrid materials are composed of dissimilar phases which change significantly whenever external stimuli are applied such as temperature, stress, magnetic or electric fields. Smart Materials are combinations of at least two different materials, which allow the engineering of desired properties in the newly combined hybrid. Proper modelling, simulation and control help in integrated system design of smart materials. Piezoelectric and Ferroelectric materials produce electric current when they are placed under mechanical stress. Due to their fast electromechanical response and their low power requirement, piezoelectric materials are widely used in the structural control applications. Electroluminescent materials are semiconductors which allow exit of the light through it. Shape-memory alloys have the ability to return to their original shape when heated in the deformed condition.