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Smart Materials

Smart Materials. A smart fluid developed in labs at the Michigan Institute of Technology . Source: www.cs.ualberta.ca/~database/ MEMS/sma_mems/smrt.html. What are Smart materials?.

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Smart Materials

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  1. Smart Materials A smart fluid developed in labs at the Michigan Institute of Technology. Source: www.cs.ualberta.ca/~database/ MEMS/sma_mems/smrt.html

  2. What are Smart materials? • Smart Materials respond in some way when an external effect such as light or temperature. The response can be reversed when the external effect is removed. • Let’s look at some examples.

  3. Thermochromic pigments • Thermochromic dyes are made from liquid crystals which change colour when heated. • They are used on fabrics, novelty goods and in scientific applications, such as testing the temperature of food. Source: www.designinsite.dk

  4. Thermochromic pigments • On the left, the drink is too warm. • Once cooled, a stripe appears (right) indicating that the drink is no properly chilled. Source: www.inkworldmagazine.com

  5. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) • SMAs are metals which can be deformed, but then return to their original shape when heated. • The most common SMA is Nickel-Titanium. Source: www.designinsite.dk

  6. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) • A video showing how a Shape Memory Alloy returns to its original shape when heated. Source: www.cs.ualberta.ca/~database/MEMS/sma_mems/index2.html

  7. Applications of SMAs • SMAs are widely use in medical applications. • This is a medical implant which expands when warmed to body temperature, to widen a restricted blood vessel. Source: www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/ thematerialworld_20020919.shtm

  8. Pseudo-elastic alloys • These materials become highly elastic when deformed and can then return to their original shape. No temperature change is required. • These “memoflex” alloy spectacle rims are made from a pseudo-elastic alloy. Source: www.perret-optic.ch

  9. Pseudo-elastic alloys • Click on the image to view a manufacturer’s promotional video for Nitinol – a pseudo-elastic alloy. • Note: Internet connection required for this Click here to view Nitinol video

  10. Electro-rheostatic and Magneto-rheostatic materials • These materials can change from liquid to solid when an electrical current or magnetic field is applied. • The MR fluid is liquid when no magnetic field is present (left), but turns solid immediately after being placed in a magnetic field (right) Source: www.cs.ualberta.ca/~database/MEMS/sma_mems/index2.html

  11. Smart grease • Under normal circumstances, if the wheel is wound up and released, it will spin rapidly and slow down. • If a tiny amount of smart grease is added between the friction surfaces, the wheel will turn at a uniform (very slow) speed and the stored energy will be released uniformly. Source: www.mutr.co.uk/Materials/Mat_smartgrease.htm

  12. The future • Engineers are only just beginning to tap into the full potential of smart materials. There are many applications in aircraft manufacture. • This image shows the use of smart wires to control aileron shape in a wing compared with hydraulic cylinders. Source: www.cs.ualberta.ca/~database/MEMS/sma_mems/index2.html

  13. The future • Scientists at NASA are investigating the use of smart materials to create aircraft that fly like birds and insects. Insert NASA video clip after conversion to AVI format Source: http://spacescience.com/headlines/images/wings/morphing_med.mov

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