Structronic Systems

This book is concerned with electrostructural systems, particularly the interaction between the control of the structural and electrical (electronic) components. Structronics is a new emerging area with many potential applications in the design of high-performance structures, adaptive structures, high-precision systems, and micro-systems. As structures are increasingly being controlled by electronics, the problems of structural engineering can be separated less and less from those of electronic engineering and control engineering. This graduate-level book fills a gap in the literature by considering these problems while giving an overview of the current state of analysis, modelling and control for structronic systems. It is a coherent compendium written by leading experts in this new research area and gives readers a sophisticated toolbox that will allow them to tackle the modelling and control of smart structures. The inclusion of an extensive, up-to-date bibliography and index makes this volume an invaluable standard for professional reference.Because of the large number of contributions to the present volume, it has been subdivided into two parts, of which this is Part I. This book will be of interest to engineers, materials scientists, physicists and applied mathematicians.The synergistic integration of active (smart) materials, structures, sensors, actuators, and control electronics has redefined the concept of structures from a conventional passive elastic system to an active (life-like) structronic (structure + electronic) system with inherent self-sensing, diagnosis, and control capabilities. Because of its multi-disciplinary nature, the development of structronic systems has attracted researchers and scientists from many disciplines, such as structures, materials, control, electronics, mathematics, manufacturing, electromechanics, and mechanics. In practical applications, this new structronic system can be used as a component of high-performance machines or structural systems, or be an integrated structure itself performing designated function(s).Most common active (smart) materials, such as piezoelectrics, shape-memory alloys, electro- and magneto-strictive materials, and polyelectrolyte gels have been reviewed in Part I. Application examples are also provided and research issues reported on. While the first part focuses primarily on materials and structures, Part II emphasizes control applications and intelligent systems. With the information provided in this two-volume book, scientists and researchers can easily grasp the state of the art of smart materials and structronic systems, and are ready to pursue their own research and development endeavors.