By boltzmann on May 3, 2007
Electroactive polymers (EAP) represent a relatively new (as compared with Nitinol) class of smart materials. EAPs can exhibit very high deformations coupled with low forces and are classified in two forms, dielectric and ionic based.
Posted in Electroactive Polymers (EAP), Smart Materials | Tagged EAP, Materials
By boltzmann on May 3, 2007
The Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) category of smart materials is made up of metallic alloys with shape memory effects, which rely on a temperature driven phase transformation to realize shape change in the material. Essentially, a material can be deformed, and returned to its original shape by heating. Materials that heal themselves, actuators, nanotechnology, numerous medical devices, and many other applications exist for SMAs.
Posted in Shape Memory Alloys (SMA), Smart Materials | Tagged Materials, SMA
By boltzmann on May 3, 2007
The goal of smart materials research is to enable the design of materials that can function beyond the traditional design interests such as strength, stiffness, thermal conductivity, etc. An active or smart material system can generally be thought of consisting of three essential elements, the active material, the passive material, and the control system.
Posted in Smart Materials | Tagged Materials
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