Research Status on Adaptive Structures in Europe.

Abstract

The topic of this paper is the new and highly interdisciplinary subject smart structures, which can be characterized as structural systems that interact with integrated sensor, actuator, and control devices in a desired manner. The paper describes a number of candidate material systems that can be used to develop a new class of so-called multifunctional sensors and actuators, which not only have intrinsic sensing and actuating capabilities, but also serve in a multifunctional mode, e.g. as load carrying structural components. In addition, special control systems which work on the basis of new digital filtering concepts are also explained. Main emphasis is placed on a great variety of present and prospective smart structure applications, not only in the aerospace field, but also in areas such as automotive engineering, building construction, etc. Finally, a survey is given of ongoing smart structures initiatives and programs in Europe, with special focus on DLR's ARES (Actively Reacting Elastic Structures) program.