Smart materials in Automobile

Smart materials in Automobile

INTRODUCTION

Some materials have the ability to change shape or size simply by adding a little bit of heat, or to change
from a liquid to a solid almost instantly when near a magnet; these materials are called smart materials.
What are they? 
They are those materials that posses both intrinsic and extrinsic capabilities to respond environmental
changes. They respond to changes in temperature, moisture, pH, magnetic Field, electric field, etc. 
The term smart materials encompasses a wide variety of materials,such as piezoelectric materials,
magnetorheostatic materials, electrorheostatic & shape memory alloys.

HISTORY

Arne Olander in 1930,discovered a phenomenon of SME(Shape Memory Effect).

In 1958,researchers Chang & Read demostrated the Shape Memory Effect.
In 1962, the shape memory properties of Nickel Titanium alloys were discovered at the US Naval
Ordnance Laboratories
In 1970’s ,the group of brass (CuZnAl) alloy were discovered which exhibit SME.

SMART CAR CONCEPT

Today, the cars that are being manufactured abroad have smartness or intelligence build into them.
These cars, called smart cars.
The incorporation of smart materials makes driving even in difficult climate or weather conditions easy
and pleasurable.
Whenever the cars swerve/ drift from their lanes, they are warned by means of a rumble-strip noise.

Application 

The following are some of the specific applications of smart materials in automobiles.

SMAs( Shape Memory Alloys)

Piezoelectric Materials
Magnetostrictive Materials
Magnetorheological/ Electrorheological Fluids