Smart Materials/Structures Technical Analysis

摘要

'Smart' Materials and Structure have the capability to respond to theirenvironment to a significant degree, by virtue of intrinsic properties and/or built-in sensor/ actuator systems. The words 'smart' or 'intelligent' as applied to materials/structures are used in an idealistic and imprecise way to indicate an analogy with the integrated sensor/actuator/control systems evolved by living beings. The programatic objectives of this proposal suggest the following definition of Smart Materials/ Structures (SMS): Smart Materials / Structures (SMS) Structural systems based upon materials with the ability to SENSE their Own response to environmental and operational stimuli, and modify that response in such as way as to maintain or optimize structural performance, utilizing embedded sensors and actuators interfaced with closed-loop adaptive control systems based on system stimulus-response models. In this effort, BDM Federal, Inc., a subsidiary of BDM International, Inc. (BDM) conducted a technical analysis of Smart Materials and Structures in order to assist DARPA in planning a future initiative in this area.