Smart Materials

In contrast to the already established materials, smart materials are materials whose properties can be influenced to a great extent by external stimuli such as light, heat and electric and magnetic fields. In the future, mechatronic functions that were previously fulfilled by complex components or systems will be increasingly generated or at least supported by smart materials. The aim is to reduce the effort and cost of a new product or even to open up new mechatronic functions that could not be realised at all with conventional technologies. It is important to note that the profitable use of smart materials requires a rethink in development. This book aims to support this. The authors give a basic introduction to the different classes of adaptive materials. Both the special material properties and the diverse possibilities for realising new products are presented. . Piezoceramic materials . Thermal shape memory alloys . Dielectric elastomers . Piezoelectric polymers . Shape memory polymers . Magnetorheological fluids . Electrorheological fluids . Magnetorheological elastomers . Magnetic shape memory alloys . Magnetostrictive materials .