Intelligent materials

Abstract

Intelligent materials are capable of responding to stimuli or changes in the environment and adapting their function accordingly. Piezoelectric materials, magneto- and electrostrictive materials, shape memory materials and functional fluids are all used to influence the mechanical properties of systems. The physical effect is not the same: sensors transform mechanical energy into measurable electrical parameters; whilst actuators transform other energy forms into mechanical energy. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.