Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
TINE MAGON
MLADINSKA 8
SP. IDRIJA
VS
Smart Materials 2 Tine Magon
Smart Materials
Smart materials are materials that change its charachteristics (mechanical, electrical,
appearance), size and even shape when exposed to particular external condition (temperature,
light, magnetic field, electric power etc.) There are many different types of smart materials and
can be used in many different ways (from fashion to nano technology).
Photochromic effect
Thermochromic effect
Next group of smart materials is called Light Emitting Materials. When exposed to particular
external condition it emitts light. The colour of the light depedns on the structure of material and
the type of external condition it is beeing exposed to.
Elecroluminescent effect
Similar result is achieved with use of Fluorescent materials. The
difference is that this type of material reacts only to UV rays or X rays.
It only lasts as long as it is exposed to the light.
Smart Materials 3 Tine Magon
Fluorescent effect
These eyes on the picture apearce only when the picture is exposed to the UV light
Moving materials
Next group of smart materials changes its shape when exposed to external conditions.
Dielectric elastomers (also called electrostrictive polymers) it can reduce or increase its
volume by 30%, when exposed to electric field. It is also being used for artificial muscles but it
is more firm and can carry larger burdens.
Piezoelectric materials are used mostly for sensors. The moment their shape is changed
or it is exposed to mechanical force, an applied electric field produces a small mechanical stress.
It transfers energy from mechanical to electrical adn ice-versa. Air-bag sensor is made of
piezoelectric materials. It sences the fource of car collision and sends off a signal for air-bag to
open.
linked polymer network inflated with solvent such as water, and can reduce or increase its
volume up to 1000x. They can be programed to absorb or release fluids in response to almost any
chemical or physical stimulus. Gels are very firm an can endure approximately as much as
human muscle.
Smart gel
Shape memory alloys or Thermoresponsive materials are metals and are the most
important type of smart materials. When are curved and than heated to defined temperature it
returns back to their original shape. Because they can endure
extreme burdens are used in medicine, car industrie and in producton
of parts of aeroplanes and helicopters.
Rheological materials
The last two materials are changing its state are Rheological materials. Magneto
rheological and Electro rheological fluids. These materials are originaly liquis, (similar to
engine oil), and can change state instantly (they become rubber) through the application of an
electric or magnetic charge. When charge is removed it returns back to previous state. These
liqids are used mostly for shock absorbers, dampers for vehicle seats and exercise equipment.
Glossary
Smart Materials 5 Tine Magon
Clutch (MACHINE PART) noun [C] [singular] - a device, which allows turning movement to be sent
from one part of a machine to another:
I've booked the car into the garage because the clutch is slipping.
Develop (GROW) verb [I][T] - to (cause something to) grow or change into a more advanced,
larger or stronger form:
This exercise is designed to develop the shoulder and back muscles.
I'm looking for a job, which will enable me to develop my skills/talents.
Emulate verb [T] FORMAL - to copy something achieved by someone else and try to do it as well
as they have:
They hope to emulate the success of other software companies
Environment (SURROUNDINGS) noun - the conditions that you live or work in and the way
that they influence how you feel or how effectively you can work:
The office is quite bright and airy - it's a pleasant working environment.
As a parent you try to create a stable home environment for your children to grow up in.
Interrelate verb [I]: - to be connected in such a way that each thing has an effect on or depends
on the other:
Children need to be educated about the way that diet and health interrelate
Insulate (COVER) verb - to cover and surround something with a material or substance in order
to stop heat, sound or electricity from escaping or entering:
You can insulate a house against heat loss by having the windows double-glazed.
Property (QUALITY) noun [C] - a quality in a substance or material, especially one which means
that it can be used in a particular way:
One of the properties of copper is that it conducts heat and electricity very well.
We value herbs for their taste, but we forget that they also have medicinal properties.
Precaution noun [C] - an action which is done to prevent something unpleasant or dangerous
happening:
Many people have been stockpiling food as a precaution against shortages.
They failed to take the necessary precautions to avoid infection
Slovenski prevod: spodbuditi (to k), spodbosti, bodriti, podgati, stimulirati; animirati
Slovenski prevod: znailen, vaen (for za), ki ima kak pomen, pomemben, pomenljiv;
signifikanten;
Strain (PRESSURE) noun a force or influence that stretches, pulls or puts pressure on
something, sometimes causing damage:
The hurricane put such a strain on the bridge that it collapsed..
Their constant arguments were putting a strain on their marriage.
Slovenski prevod: deformacija, poklina, razpoka, lom; izbruh, ploha (besedi), tirada, ton
Viscous adjective SPECIALIZED - describes a liquid that is thick and sticky and does not flow
easily
Valve noun [C] - a device which opens and closes to control the flow of liquids or gases, or a
similar structure in the heart and the veins, which controls the flow of blood:
The valve failed to open/close.
It was a weak heart valve that caused her death
Slovenski prevod: ventil, zaklopka; pokrov; pipa; zapah; vrata zatvornice; (redko) krilo
(vrat), vratnica
Sources:
www.cs.ualberta.ca
www.designinsite.dk
www.dictionary.cambridge.org
www.electricvinyl.com
www.electroceramics.ch
www.glassfiles.com
www.howstuffworks.com