1.

INTRODUCTION

• A structure is an assembly of mechanical components that serves an engineering function.

• Examples of Structures or Structural Systems

o Civil Structures
 Buildings
 Bridges
 Towers
 Roads, etc.

o Aerospace Structures
 Aircrafts
 Helicopters
 Satellites, etc.

o Naval Structures
 Ships
 Submarines, etc.

o Ground Vehicles
 Automobiles
 Trains, etc.

o Weapons and Missiles

 Machine Guns
 Guided Missiles, etc.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
 o Appliances

o Commercial Electronic
Products

o Energy Producing
Structures
 Power Plants
 Wind Turbines, etc.

o Sensors
 Accelerometers
 Load Cells, etc.

• Elements of large structures or structural systems are also structures or structural

components.

• Examples:
o Wings of an aircraft
o Blades in a jet engine (see figure below)
o Casing of a missile
o Recoil spring of an automatic weapon
o Cooling fan of a laptop processor
o Body-in-white of an automobile (see figure below)

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Traditionally structural design involves selection of load-bearing components of a
structure.
o Dimensions and materials are selected considering failure modes such as
 yielding,
 rupture,
 buckling,
 excessive deformations,
 fatigue, etc.
o Design involves using materials which are natural such as wood, metals or
synthetic such as plastics and composites.

• In a traditional sense, structures are passive, that is they only perform the intended
function under the expected conditions but cannot respond actively to external stimulus in
a way to continue performing its original function.

• With the discovery and development of active or smart materials with unusual properties
such as changing the material behavior by triggering change in the phase of the material
(shape memory alloys), by poling direction (piezoelectric materials), and the level of
electric field (electrorheological fluids) opened up a new area of research in which
“smartness” can be integrated into structural design.

• Smartness in the context of structures an ability to perform a function also for a structure
to sense, and/or react, and/or adapt to its environment.
o Example:
 Aircraft wing with a sensor system to listen for acoustic waves caused by
cracking.
 These type of sensors can produce warnings before critical failures saving
lives and also reducing maintenance costs.
 There are practical applications of such systems in Wind turbine crack
monitoring.

• A more advanced level of smartness may be the ability of structures to report, learn and
perhaps self-repair any possible damage.
• Sometimes called intelligence, thus making the structure an “Intelligent structure”.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
 1.1. Smart Materials

• Common characteristic of smart materials is that they have one or more properties that can
be altered using thermal, optical, electrical, and magnetic fields.

• Piezoelectric Materials
• Electrorheological And Magnetorheological Fluids
• Electrorheological And Magnetorheological Elastomer
• Shape Memory Alloys
• Fiber optics
• Carbon Nanotubes

Some Others NOT studied in this course

• Magnetorestrictive materials
• Self Healing Materials.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Piezoelectric Materials
o These materials can be deformed when a
voltage is applied across them or in the
reverse manner can produce electric charge
when mechanically deformed by external
forces.
o This unique property can be utilized to
produce very effective solid state sensors
and actuators.
o They can be integrated into structures as
embedded sensors and actuators to come
up with active or smart structures.
o They are available in natural form
(Quartz) or can be manufactured as
sintered ceramics (Lead Zirconate
Titanate or PZT) in pellet, wafer or fiber
forms.
o There are also piezoelectric polymers
Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE, presented by Afzal SULEMAN
such as Polyvinlyidene Fluoride (PVDF)
 Low stiffness and low actuation
capacity.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
 Source: Recent Developments in Smart and Nanscale
Materials 2009, University of Cincinnati, 2009.

• Electrorheological And Magnetorheological Fluids

o Electrorheological - (ER), Magnetorheological - (MR)
o ER/MR fluids use electric/magnetic field to change the
effective viscosity (or rheological behavior) of a fluid.
o ER/MR fluids contain fine particles (1-10 μm size) of
dielectric/magnetic materials.
o The fluid must be nonconducting.
o Electric/magnetic field caused the dielectric/magnetic particles
to align (see figure).

Magnetorheological(MR) Fluid: Before and After a magnetic field is applied.

Source: Recent Developments in Smart and Nanscale Materials 2009, University of Cincinnati, 2009.

MR Fluid-based dampers

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Electrorheological And Magnetorheological Elastomers
o Counterparts of ER/MR fluids.
o Particles are dispersed in an solid
elastomer.
o Particles are dispersed in liquid
form of elastomer and exposed to
electric/magnetic fields to orient
the dielectric/magnetic particles
while the curing of the elastomer is
performed.
o In the final configuration, modulus
of the material can be altered by
Source: Recent Developments in Smart and Nanscale
applying electric or magnetic field. Materials 2009, University of Cincinnati, 2009.

EXAMPLE

• Development of an adaptive tuned vibration

absorber with magnetorheological elastomer

(Hua-xia Deng, Xing-long Gong1 and Lian-

huaWang)
Source: Smart Mater. Struct. 15 (2006) N111–N116

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Shape Memory Alloys
o These materials can change their phase at critical temperatures in a reversible
manner (Nitinol, a Nickel - Titanium alloy).
o Capable of very high strains and high actuation forces but have low bandwidth
(slow response time) due to time needed for heating and cooling.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Fiber optics
o Uses Bragg gratings etched into the fiber or a gap to reflect light. The change in
the wavelength of light is proportional to the strain in the fiber.
o 100 times better resolution compared to typical piezoresistive strain gauges.
o Can measure upto 8 % strain.
o Large bandwidth (up to 50 tera Herzt)

• Carbon Nanotubes (CNT)

o CNT is a synthetic material constructed of 2 dimensional sheet of graphite
honeycomb lattice rolled into a seamless tube.
o May be produced in Single-Walled or Multi-Walled configurations with Single
wall CNT diameter as small as a few nanometers.
o These materials are high strength and also exhibit actuation and and sensing
properties with charge injection.
o Boron Nitride Nanotubes also show piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
Others which will not be studied in this course:

• Magnetorestrictive materials
o Magnetorestriction is the deformation of a ferromagnetic material when it is
subjected to a magnetic field.
o Such materials are called magnetorestrictive elements.
o This effect may be subtle for most such materials but for certain materials in
ceramic configuration and after proper treatment, magnetorestrictive capabilities
can be elevated enabling this active characteristic to be used for smart structure
applications.

• Self Healing Materials

o Polymer composites which can trigger polymerization
using catalyst and polymerization agents to fill in
internal cracks that cannot be observed or reached
externally.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
 1.2. Smart Structures

• A proper definition for a smart structure is given in the textbook as follows:

o “Smart structures have the capability to sense, measure, process, and diagnose at
critical locations any change in selected variables, and to command appropriate
action to preserve structural integrity and continue the intended functions.”

1.2.1. Need for Smart Structures

(Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE, presented by Eswar PRASAD)
• Optimizing response of large, complex systems
o Adaptive response will cope with unforeseen circumstances
o Enhance the range of survivability conditions
o Early warning systems

• Perform enhancements otherwise not possible

o Minimizing a satellite antenna’s surface distortion – increase precision
o Control of pointing accuracy under thermal or other disturbances

• Functionality
o Light weight
o Preventive maintenance
o Performance optimization

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
1.2.2. Smart Structure Classification
(Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE, presented by Eswar PRASAD)

• Passively Smart
o Structures have the ability to respond to a stimulus in a useful manner, without
assistance of electronic controls or feedback systems.
 Example: A helicopter blade in which composite layers are arranged to
tailor the stiffness of the blade to produce twisting when the blade bends
(bend-twist coupling). The coupling is used to reduce aerodynamic loads
on the blade when it bends.

• Actively Smart
o Structures utilize feedback loops which accelerate the recognition and response
process.
 Example: A helicopter blade with piezoceramic patch sensor that detects
that vibrations of the blade and active fiber composite actuators that are
controlled to suppress vibrations of the blade.

• Very Smart (or Intelligent)

o Structures utilize nonlinear properties of the sensor, actuator, memory and/or
feedback systems to tune the response behavior.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
1.2.3. Smart Structure Application Areas

• Some Widely Pursued General Applications for Smart Structures are:

o Active Vibration Control

o Active Noise Control
o Active Shape Control
o Active Health Monitoring

• Also there are potentials for applications such as:

o Self Healing Structures
o Biological Sensor Systems
o Novel Actuator Systems

• Aerospace
o Damage detection
o Vibration control
o Shape control
• Defense
o Firing accuracy of weapons
o Vibration and noise reduction in submarines
o Fuel savings through adaptive wings for aircraft and missiles
o Early detection of damage
• Automotive
o Passenger comfort
o Vibration control (active engine mounts)
o Health monitoring (smart sensors)
• Industrial
o Manufacturing (machine tool chatter)
o Air conditioning and ventilation (noise control)
o Exhaust systems (noise control)
o Foundation Isolation (vibration control)
o Operator comfort in heavy machinery(noise and vibration control)
o Rotor critical speed control
• Civil
o Bridges
o Earthquake protection
• Spacecraft:
o Pointing accuracy of large antennas maintained through an elaborate
network of sensors and actuators.
• Medical devices
o Smart sensors
o Surgical Micro robots
o Surgical tools
 Micromotor capsules that unclog arteries

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
1.2.4. Components of a Smart Structure

• Two functions are important for smart materials:

o Sensing and Actuation.

o Sensing: structural displacement, strains, vibrations, and wave propagation. Can

be used to control or performance monitoring or for determining the integrity of
the structure. Called Structural Health Monitoring (SHM).

o Actuation: used to suppress vibration or to change the shape of structures to

improve their performance.
 Examples:
• Morphing wings to improve aerodynamic performance of an
aircraft.
• Active noise reduction in a helicopter cabin.

General Components of a Smart Structure

• Sensor(s):
o Monitor environmental changes and generate signals proportional to the
changing measured parameters.
• Actuator(s):
o Used to change the properties of the smart structure in order to achieve desired
response.
• Control system(s):
o Continually monitors the sensor’s signal, processing the information in order
to determine if action is required. If an action is required, then a signal is
applied to the appropriate actuator(s).
Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE, presented by Eswar PRASAD

• In a general sense, the

following generic Component
Schematic can be drawn for a
Smart Structure:

Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE, presented by Eswar PRASAD

• We will be focusing on
o Materials that can be integrated to the structure as actuators and sensors.
o How the combined structure can be modeled?
• Control system design is another area of study that needs further effort.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
 1.3. Potential Applications for Smart Structures

• Morphing Aerial Structures

Source: Recent Developments in Smart and Nanscale Materials 2009, University of Cincinnati, 2009.

Source: Recent Developments in Smart and Nanscale Materials 2009, University of Cincinnati, 2009.

• Smart systems for

application in aircraft
Source: NATO AVT-086
COURSE, presented by Eswar
PRASAD

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Instead of using rotating rigid
fins to maneuver the missile,
flexible fins constructed of
“smart” materials can warp
to appropriate shape.

Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE,

presented by Eswar PRASAD

• Warping is NOT a new concept.

• Smart Piezo materials to

achieve “stealthiness” for
underwater vehicles

Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE,

presented by Eswar PRASAD

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
 1.4. Actual Applications of Smart Structures

• Smart Shock absorber.

Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE, presented by Eswar PRASAD

• Earthquake protection of civil

structures

Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE, presented by

Afzal SULEMAN

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• 3-dimensional Adaptive Aircraft Wing
Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE, presented by Eswar PRASAD

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
 1.19
ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Aeroservoelastic Analysis of the Effects of Camber and Twist on Tactical UAV
Mission-adaptive Wings (TÜBİTAK Project)
Prof. Dr. Yavuz YAMAN, Prof. Dr. Serkan ÖZGEN, Assist. Prof. Dr. Melin ŞAHİN, Assist. Prof. Dr. Güçlü
SEBER, Mr. Evren SAKARYA (MSc.), Mr. Levent ÜNLÜSOY (MSc.), Mr. E. Tolga İNSUYU (MSc.), METU,
Aerospace Engineering Department, Structures Lab.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Medical Application of Piezoelectric Ceramics
Source: Recent Developments in Smart and Nanoscale Materials 2009, University of Cincinnati, 2009.

• Use of piezoelectric materials inside human body to replace or support damaged or

weakened muscles in appendages such as fingers or toes.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Piezoelectric-material based Inchworm Actuator
Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE, presented by Eswar PRASAD

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Smart Strut Member (utilizing piezoelectric material based actuator)
Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE, presented by Eswar PRASAD

• The smart strut member was designed to replace some of the

conventional strut members that are components of current
passive support structures.
• The smart strut has the ability to vary its length depending on
the requirements of the truss structure.

• Applications
o Heavy load positioning and handling
o Smart structure research
o Dynamic loading
o Instrumentation
o Robotics
o Civil engineering

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Smart Truss Structure (utilizing piezolectric material based sensors and actuators)
Source: NATO AVT-086 COURSE, presented by Eswar PRASAD

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Morphing Wings (Trailing Edge)
Source: Recent Developments in Smart and Nanscale Materials 2009,
University of Cincinnati, 2009.

• Elastic Hinge
• Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators pull on structure to
create curvature.

• Morphing Wings (Skin)

Source: Recent Developments in Smart and
Nanscale Materials 2009, University of
Cincinnati, 2009.

• Allow shape changing of wing skin.

• Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) is used as
the active element.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Structural Health Monitoring
Source: Recent Developments in Smart and Nanscale Materials 2009, University of Cincinnati, 2009.

• Cloaking Systems
Source: Recent Developments in Smart and Nanoscale Materials 2009, University of Cincinnati, 2009.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Active Vibration Control of a Beam (Smart Beam)
METU, Aerospace Engineering Department, Structures Lab.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
• Active Vibration Control of a Plate (Smart Fin)
METU, Aerospace Engineering Department, Structures Lab.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
 Some Resources on the Topics of Smart Materials and Structures

• The Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, SAGE Press

• Smart Materials and Structures, Institute of Physics
• Structural Health Monitoring: An International Journal, SAGE Press, London.

www.piezo.com
http://www.physikinstrumente.com/

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN
 References

1. Smart Structures: Analysis and Design, A.V.Srinivasan and D.Michael McFarland ,

Cambridge University Press, 2001
2. Adaptronics and Smart Structures: Basics, Materials, Design, and Applications, Daniel J.
Jendritza, Harmut Hanocha, 1997.
3. Engineering Analysis of Smart Material Systems, Donald J. Leo, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
2007.
4. Smart Material Systems Model Development, Ralph C. Smith, Society for Industrial and
Applied Mathematics, 2005.
5. Dynamics of Smart Structures, Ranjan Vepa, John Wiley, 2010.
6. Adaptive Structures Engineering Applications, David Wagg, Ian Bond, Paul Weaver,
Michael Friswell (Eds.), John Wiley, 2007.
7. NATO, Research And Technology Organization (RTO), The Applied Vehicle Technology
Panel (AVT) Technical Course, Application Of Adaptive Structures In Active Aeroelastic
Control , 25-29 March 2002, METU-Ankara
8. Recent Developments in Smart and Nanoscale Materials 2009, “Power Point” book
prepared by students of Introduction to Smart Structure course, University of Cincinnati,
2009.
9. Introduction to Smart Structures, Course Notes, University of Cincinnati, 2002.

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ME 493 Introduction to Smart Structures and Materials, FALL 2011-2012, METU, Ankara
Dr. Gökhan O. ÖZGEN