讲座主题

Smart materials are those that alter their shape, stiffness or other properties when they are subjected to changes in temperature, electrical or magnetic field. By utilizing these adaptive features, smart materials can be built as sensors and actuators. Integrating with controllers, such systems perform work like nerves, muscles, and brains in our human bodies. Piezoelectric material and magneto-rheological (MR) fluid have been used for controlling vibration. They have been applied to hard disk drives and vehicle suspension. Energy can also be harvested from vibration and human motion. Piezoelectric and electromagnetic power generators were used to transform the mechanical energy from vibration and human motion into electrical energy. The self-powered systems will be more environmentally friendly since they are using otherwise wasted mechanical energy from the vibration and human motion.  On the other hand, exoskeletons that can assist people with impaired mobility have been developed. With the developed device, paralyzed individual can regain the ability to stand up and walk. Smart ankle-foot prosthesis with compact cam-spring mechanism have also been implemented to help amputees walk with less effort while having more symmetrical gait. Utilizing additive manufacturing into smart materials has led to 4D printing technology for creating devices that can change their shape and/or function on-demand and over time. Adaptive structures capable of self-expanding and self-shrinking were created by 4D printing. Related work will be presented.