Multi-function structure: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Composite material that has load-carrying and other functions as well}}

A '''Multimulti-function material''' is a [[composite material]]. The traditional approach to the development of structures is to address the loadcarryingload-carrying function and other functional requirements separately. Recently, however, there has been increased interest in the development of load-bearing materials and structures which have integral non-load-bearing functions, guided by recent discoveries about how multifunctional [[biological system]]s work.<ref name="Gibson 2010 pp. 2793–2810">{{cite journal | last=Gibson | first=Ronald F. | title=A review of recent research on mechanics of multifunctional composite, Journalmaterials ofand structures | journal=Composite Structures | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=92 (| issue=12 | year=2010) | issn=0263-8223 | doi=10.1016/j.compstruct.2010.05.003 | pages=2793–2810}}</ref>.

==Introduction==

With conventional structural materials, it has been difficult to achieve simultaneous improvement in multiple structural functions, but the increasing use of [[composite material]]s has been driven in part by the potential for such improvements. The multi-functions can vary from mechanical to electrical and thermal functions. The most widely used composites have polymer matrix materials, which are typically poor conductors. Enhanced conductivity could be achieved with reinforcing the composite with [[carbon nanotubes]] for instance.<ref>"Sensors and actuators based on carbon nanotubes and their composite" J. Composites Science and Technology 68 (2008) 1227–1249</ref><ref>Challenges and opportunities in multifunctional nanocomposite structures for aerospace applications. MRS Bull 2007;32(4):324-34</ref>

==Functions==

Among the many functions that can be attained are Electricalpower transmission, [[electrical conductivity|electrical]]/[[thermal conductivity]], Sensingsensing and actuation, Energyenergy harvesting/storage, Selfself-healing capability, Electromagneticelectromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and recyclability and [[biodegradability]]. See also [[Functionally_graded_material| Functionallyfunctionally graded materials(FGM)material]]s which are [[composite materials]] where the composition or the microstructure are locally varied so that a certain variation of the local material properties is achieved.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Chaudhary |first1=Birendra |last2=Matos |first2=Helio |last3=Das |first3=Sumanta |last4=Owens |first4=Jim |date=2023-06-01 |title=Multifunctional carbon/epoxy composites with power transmission capabilities |journal=Materials Today Communications |volume=35 |pages=105665 |doi=10.1016/j.mtcomm.2023.105665 |issn=2352-4928|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>[http://www.oeaw.ac.at/esi/english/research/materials/comp/fgms.html O. Kolednik, Functionally Graded Materials, 2008] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820130401/http://www.oeaw.ac.at/esi/english/research/materials/comp/fgms.html |date=2010-08-20 }}</ref>. However, FGMfunctionally graded materials can be designed for specific function and applications.

Many applications such as re-configurable aircraft wings, shape-changing aerodynamic panels for flow control, variable geometry engine exhausts, turbine blade, wind turbine configuration at different wind speed, microelectromechanical systems (micro-switches), mechanical memory cells, valves, micropumps, flexible direction panel position in solar cells, innovative architecture (adaptive shape panels for roofs and windows), flexible and foldable electronic devices and optics (shape changing mirrors for active focusing in adaptive optical systems).

==Applications==

{{Expand section|more applications with a small introduction to each application|date=September 2010}}

[[Touchscreen]]s

[[Smart structure]]s<ref>http://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/smart-structure.htm</ref> are one of many applications.

== References ==

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{{emerging technologies|topics=yes|robotics=yes|manufacture=yes|materials=yes}}

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[[Category:Composite materials]]