SHM and Smart Materials
One of the foremost drives for the implementation of SHM is due to the feasibility of augmenting smart and functional materials in host structures which can act as sensors / actuators to present the state of the affairs of a structure on continuous basis.
Smart material
Materials which possess the ability to change their physical properties in a specific manner in response to specific stimulus input are called smart materials.
Figure 4.1: Concept of working of smart materials
Smart system / structure
A system or a material which has built in or intrinsic sensor(s), actuator(s) and control mechanism whereby it is capable of sensing a stimulus, responding to it in a predetermined manner and extent in a short / appropriate time and reverting to its original state as soon as the stimulus is removed.
|
