Smart composite materials for aircraft structures

This book presents application of smart composite materials for damage detection in aircraft structures. A theoretical analysis and experimental test have been conducted in this study in order to validate the analysis results. Smart structures those are capable of sensing and reacting to their environment in a predictable and desired manner, through the integration of various elements, such as sensors, actuators, power sources, signal processors, and communications network. In addition to carrying mechanical loads, smart structures may alleviate vibration, reduce acoustic noise, monitor their own condition and environment, automatically perform precision alignments, or change their shape or mechanical properties on command.