What are smart materials and their applications?

What are smart materials and their applications?

Smart materials are materials that can change properties in response to external stimuli like temperature, light, or stress. They have applications in various fields such as aerospace, medicine, and robotics.

Can you give me some examples of smart materials?

Sure! Examples include shape memory alloys, piezoelectric materials, and thermochromic materials. Each has unique properties that make them useful in specific applications.

How do shape memory alloys work?

Shape memory alloys can 'remember' their original shape. When deformed, they can return to that shape when heated above a certain temperature, making them useful in actuators and medical devices.

What are the challenges in using smart materials?

Challenges include high costs, durability issues, and the need for precise control of the stimuli to achieve desired responses.

Where can I find more research on this topic?

You can find research articles in journals like 'Smart Materials and Structures' or databases like Google Scholar and IEEE Xplore.