Engineering Analysis of Smart Material Systems Hardback - 2007 - 1st Edition

A comprehensive introduction to the analysis and design of smart material systems

Smart materials have the inherent ability to sense and react to changes in the environment. Their capabilities are increasingly being used by engineers designing intelligent systems that can respond to external events--in applications ranging from automobiles and biomedical devices to "smart" skis and tennis rackets that reduce vibrations and improve comfort. Written as a guide for both students and practicing engineers, Engineering Analysis of Smart Material Systems presents a general framework for the analysis and design of engineering systems that incorporate such smart materials.

Emphasizing the physical processes of smart materials as well as the design and control of engineering systems, the text covers:

• The fundamental physical properties of piezoelectric materials and mathematical representations of the electromechanical coupling in these materials

• The thermomechanical behavior of shape memory alloys in the context of engineering models for these materials

• Electroactive polymers and their applications

• Uses of smart material systems such as motion control, active vibration control, and passive and semi-active damping

• Analysis of power considerations for smart materials and their use as materials in energy harvesting applications

Featuring numerous worked examples, design problems, and homework problems ideal for self-study as well as the classroom curriculum, Engineering Analysis of Smart Material Systems will give practicing and novice engineers a practical foundation in the principles and applications of smart materials and smart material systems.