Computational Methods for Smart Structures and Materials - 1st : International Conference on Computational Methods for Smart Structures and Materials, 1998, Un

A smart structure is one which has the ability to determine its present state, decide on a set of actions that will change this state to a more desirable one, and carry these out in a controlled manner and in a short period of time.

Such structures can theoretically accommodate unpredictable environmental changes, meet exacting performance requirements, and compensate for failure of minor system components.

In addition, they may, eventually, be able to offer more efficient technical and financial solutions for a wide range of applications. Intelligent behaviour within the structure is obtained by integrating a control system consisting of three main components: sensors, cognitive interpretation and decision systems, and actuators. In parallel with the development of smart structures, a generation of new materials which react to external stimuli in a non-conventional, 'intelligent' manner has evolved and these are now being incorporated as sensing and actuator elements. This book includes some of the papers presented at the first International Conference on Computational Methods for Smart Structures and Materials held in September 1998. Placing emphasis on the application of computational methods to model, control and manage behaviour, the contributions featured are divided under the following headings: Analysis Tools, Physical Systems Modelling and Analysis, Sensor and Actuator Technologies, Damage Diagnosis, Active and Passive Control, Intelligent Control Systems, and Adaptive Materials and Structures.