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Smart materials and Smart structures
A new generation of materials called smart materials is changing the way a
structural system is going to be designed, built and monitored. Advances
in composite materials, instrumentation and sensing technology
(fiber-optic sensors) in combination with a new generation of actuator
systems based on Piezoelectric ceramics and shape Memory Alloys have made
this possible.
Shape memory alloys have found applications in a variety of high
performance products, ranging from aircraft hydraulic coupling and
electrical connectors to surgical suture anchors. Since the material can
generate high actuation forces in response to temperature changes, shape
memory alloys have the potential to serve as an alternative to solenoids,
special significance in the area of smart structures because it offers
significant advantages over conventional actuations technologies in number
of ways.
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Large amounts of recoverable strains offer very high work densities.
This is very attractive in situations where the work output to weight
ration is critical.
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Direct actuation without moving part there by increasing the
efficiency.
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Large available strains permits long strokes with constant force
output.
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The actuation can be linear or rotatory
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