UNIT-I

Role of Mechanical Engineering in Industries and Society:

 Mechanical engineering is involved in almost every aspect of human existence and
welfare. It always made human life better with the services of mechanical engineers, who
created machines to do the jobs for us to overcome the hurdles of life. It includes
machines, cars and other vehicles, aircraft, power plants, automobile parts, and
manufacturing plants etc.
 Mechanical Engineering plays a significant role in designing, developing, and testing
machines as well as thermal devices. It also includes systems that are essential to many
aspects of modern society and Industries.
 Mechanical Engineering knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science,
and energy create solutions that improve the quality of life of people.

The role of a mechanical engineering in industries and society is contributed as:

 Power Generation: Mechanical engineering deals with design and development of

power-generating machines such as internal combustion engines, gas turbines, and steam
and wind turbines etc.
 Heating and Cooling Systems: Mechanical engineering deals with design and
development of heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning systems for
buildings and other structures.
 Transportation: Mechanical engineering is involved in designing and developing
transportation systems, including cars, trains, airplanes, steamers and boats.
 Industrial Equipment: Mechanical engineering deals with design, development and
maintenance of industrial equipment such as machine tools, robots, and conveyor systems
& belts
 Infrastructure: Mechanical engineering plays a key role in the design and maintenance
of infrastructure, including buildings, bridges, roads, and transportation systems.
 Health Care: Mechanical Engineering is involved with healthcare industry in creating
technologies that are helping doctors and humankind. Healthcare devices, individualized
medicines as well as surgical devices are developed by mechanical engineers through the
use of 3D-printing technologies.
 Product design: Mechanical engineering plays a pivotal role by leveraging cutting-edge
technologies like computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing
(CAM) to develop and optimize designs tailored for efficient manufacturing processes

Job Roles in Mechanical Engineering:

1. Product engineer
2. Design engineer
 3. Systems engineer
4. Power engineer
5. Manufacturing engineer
6. Packaging engineer
7. Renewable energy consultant
8. Electro-mechanical engineer
9. Applications engineer
10. Facilities design engineer
11. Product applications engineer
12. Mechanical product engineer
13. Mechanical device engineer
14. Energy efficiency engineer
15. Process development engineer
16. Mechatronics engineer
17. Principal engineer
18. Project capture engineer
19. Sales engineer
20. Plant engineer

Technologies in different sectors such as Energy, Manufacturing,

Automotive, Aerospace, and Marine sectors.

Energy sector:
Advanced Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
The sun is the most powerful energy source. Solar photovoltaic technology is used to converts
Sun’s photons rays into electrical energy more efficiently. They can be easily produced with less
expensive materials and are also durable.
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
Concentrated Solar Power CSP systems use mirrors or lenses to focus a large area of sunlight onto a
small area. The concentrated light is then converted into heat, which can be used to produce
electricity.
Offshore Wind Energy
Offshore wind turbines placed in the sea catch the stronger, more consistent winds available at sea
and convert wind energy into electrical energy. They’re an exciting technology promising a large
potential for clean, renewable energy generation.
Tidal and Wave Energy
Tidal and wave energy is the incredible power source of sea. It’s a bit trickier to harness, but
with innovations like underwater turbines are able to convert tidal and wave energy into
electrical energy.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuel cells convert chemical energy into electricity, providing a clean, efficient, and
reliable source of power and their only byproduct is water vapor.
Advanced Battery Storage
Advanced battery technologies are making it possible for more effective utilization of renewable
energy by storing it. From solid-state batteries to flow batteries, are making renewable energy
accessible around the clock.
Smart Grids
Smart power grids monitor energy needs and can automatically adjust for efficiency. It uses
digital technology to optimize the production and distribution of electricity, reducing energy
waste and increasing reliability.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy technologies use the heat from the Earth’s core to produce electricity and
heat buildings. It’s a reliable, around-the-clock source of energy.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy is another exciting field in sustainable energy. It involves converting organic matter
(like plants, waste, or algae) into energy. New technologies in this area are helping us find more
efficient, sustainable ways to turn our waste into watts.
Energy Efficiency Tech
Energy efficiency tech is one of the innovative technology help us use less energy in the first
place. Think LED lighting, high-efficiency appliances, and intelligent building systems.
Manufacturing sector:
Robotics: Robots are smarter and more efficient. They can be used for numerous manufacturing
roles and can help automate repetitive tasks, enhance accuracy, reduce errors, and help
manufacturers focus on more productive areas. Collaborative assembly, painting, sealing,
inspection, welding, drilling and fastening are a few examples of the jobs done by robots.
Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology has grown to a great extent in the last few years. It involves
the manipulation of nano scopic materials and technology that are useful in many industrial
applications. It creates stable and effective lubricants, Polymer Nano composites in high-end
tires to improve their durability and make them wear resistance.
3D Printing: 3D Printing offers greater flexibility in production reduces time from design to
production and minimizes wastage significantly. One of the key benefits of additive
manufacturing is the ability to create complex parts, geometric shapes, and patterns.
Internet of Things (IOT): Industrial IoT (IIoT) connections include technologies like sensors,
trackers, video surveillance, wearable’s, and other connections that help manufacturers better
understand the flow of operations. These connections reveal key data to operators, such as
equipment condition, predictive analysis, product location, etc.
Real-Time Location Systems: The Real-Time Location System (RTLS) helps in the tracking
and tracing of manufacturing equipment in real time whenever needed.
Cloud Computing: Improves connectivity across various plants and sharing data within seconds
reducing both costs and production times further improving product quality and reliability
between the plants. Integrating supply chain management. It is helping in designing and
developing products as per customer requirement and usage.
Augmented Reality (AR): In manufacturing, AR can be used to identify unsafe working
conditions, measure various changes, and even envision a finished product. Example: A worker
can view a piece of equipment and see its running temperature, revealing that it is hot and unsafe
to touch with bare hands. AR applications can help inexperienced employees to be informed,
trained, aid protected at all times without wasting significant resources.
5G: 5G is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry by assisting in its smooth functioning. It
assists with automation of tasks with sensors, remote monitoring of production, maintenance of
machines, augmented reality troubleshooting, fast 3D printing, automated portable robots,
camera-based analytics, location of inventory, and so much more.
Wearable Technology: Wearable technology in manufacturing. Instead of using a phone or
tablet, workers can have digital overlays right in their eyewear to integrate AR into
manufacturing. It will also make work tasks easier and safer in training and caring of employees..
People wearing smart watches and wristbands can track health risks like heart rate or blood
pressure.
Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence (or AI) mimics human intelligence. It collects
information and uses it to change how tasks are completed.
AI applications: Manufacturers can use AI to

 Predict things like production demand and material usage

 Increase their efficiency by collecting production data ordering precise
amounts of materials
 Improve their facilities.
 Check equipment for issues and notify them of upcoming maintenance
 Machines can self-diagnose to predict maintenance needs.
 Handle their shipping management and scheduling in logistics
Automotive sector:
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
It is a new type of all-wheel-drive system that uses sensors to monitor each wheel's traction
constantly. If a wheel starts to slip, the system will automatically send more power to that wheel
to maintain traction.
Active Aerodynamics
Active aerodynamics is a new technology that allows cars to adjust their aerodynamic properties.
It can improve fuel efficiency and performance and make the car more stable in high winds.
Augmented Reality Windshields
Augmented reality windshields are among the car technologies gaining popularity in luxury cars.
These windshields use a video camera and head-up display to project information onto the
windshield, such as turn-by-turn directions or speed limits.
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Autonomous emergency braking is a safety feature that uses sensors to detect when a car is about
to collide with another object. Automatic brakes reduce the severity of a collision.
Connected Cars
Connected cars are equipped with internet connectivity, allowing them to communicate with
other connected vehicles and devices. It can provide information on traffic conditions, weather,
and more.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are powered by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They are getting
popular due to their environmental benefits and lower operating costs.
Fuel Cells
Fuel cells are an alternative to battery-powered electric vehicles. They convert chemical energy
into electrical energy, which can then power an electric motor.
Self-Driving Cars
Self-driving cars are the ultimate vision of upcoming car technologies. They are equipped with
sensors and software to navigate without human input. They are still in development, but many
believe they will become commonplace on our roads.

Aerospace sector

Zero-Emission Aircraft: One of the biggest challenges faced by the aerospace industry is
airplane emissions to the environment. An alternative to jet fuel is hydrogen, vegetable oil-based
fuels and carbon dioxide-based fuels that uses a non-petroleum base and offers lower greenhouse
gas emissions than standard jet fuel.
Additive Manufacturing (3D printing or Rapid Prototyping): Weight reduction is critical in the
aircraft technology business since it improves performance in areas like as speed, capacity, fuel
consumption, emissions, and others. Additive manufacturing can produce high strength intricate air
craft components with significantly less material.
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM): SHM refers to the ability to monitor structures using
embedded or attached nondestructive evaluation (NDE) sensors and use the data to analyze the
structure's state. This technique aids in the early detection of structural failures, averting aircraft
accidents caused by fatigue, thereby reducing major loss of life.
Advanced Materials: Advanced materials are integrating functions, such as energy harvesting,
camouflage, structural and personal health monitoring. For example, Graphene a carbon-based
material that is only one atom thick is used to make fast charging batteries that are lightweight,
durable, and capable of high capacity energy storage than a standard battery.
Utilizing Internet of Things (IoT): IoT technology is used to send critical data from engines, wing
flaps, bleed values, and landing gear to technicians for preventive maintenance. This data aids
technicians to create maintenance schedules, procure parts, and schedule relevant workers to fix.
Autonomous Flight Systems: The aerospace industry is concentrating on launching more
autonomous flights with the ultimate goal of human free flights.
Artificial intelligence: AI can handle far more complex problems than humans, and can run the
gambit of thousands of outcomes within moments compared to how long the human brain takes to
process information.
Zero-Fuel Aircrafts: Zero-fuel aircrafts use photovoltaic panels to utilize solar energy and provide
thrusts into the engines. The overall weight and body of the aircraft will be structurally reinforced with
components made of Nano carbon fiber, making them much lighter.
Supersonic Flights: Supersonic flight is an aircraft that travels faster than the speed of sound. New
supersonic jet called Boom is yet to be tested.
Drones: One of the latest aerospace technologies is drones that can perform maintenance checks and
techniques during aircraft inspections similar to tasks engineers perform on every day aircraft
inspections.
Smart Weapons: Smart weapons are modern weapons that are usually equipped with a laser or
satellite guidance system. As a result, smart weapons offer benefits such as reliable shots, quick
hit capability, and high accuracy. In addition, as smart weapons are light in weight, they reduce
the logistics carrying cost.
Marine sector:

Digital sensors
A complete network of sensors measures all aspects of ships operations, including detecting
faults and identifying areas needing maintenance or repair. Allied to this, ship to shore
communications will mean that most aspects of the ship’s operation can be controlled by a land-
based team of fleet managers.

Artificial Intelligence
The maritime sector deploys artificial intelligence for various applications such as predictive
maintenance, autonomous navigation, and route optimization, among others.

Clean Energy
Maritime industry is looking up to biofuels, wind energy, solar power, electric propulsion
technologies, and hydrogen fuel to reduce the carbon footprint of the shipping fleets. Biofuels are
an economical and low-carbon choice for a start as they readily replace heavy fuel oil (HFO)
without any structural upgrades.

Improved energy efficiency

Another trend in the shipping industry is the increased focus on energy efficiency. This includes
measures such as improving ship design, reducing vessel speed, and optimizing routes to reduce
fuel consumption and emissions.

Maritime Robotics
Robots are used for logistics operations, maritime maintenance, cleaning, rescue, and inspection.
Automated robots with specialized arms and hardware systems take over underwater
maintenance and inspection jobs reducing the risk to humans.

Maritime IoT
IoT integration makes it easier for ships to navigate in bad weather conditions, reduces collision
risks by acquiring location data while enabling tracking of various other parameters such as
emissions, machine conditions, propulsion data, and structural integrity.

Block chain
Block chain ensures communication flow of tamper-free data among stakeholders for seamless
operations in a secured manner. By storing data on the block chain, one can prevent data
manipulation and gain visibility into financial and transactional activities.

Big Data & Analytics

This enables the analysis of vast volumes of freight and operational data, as well as the
optimization of various activities to save downtime and costs. Weather condition data from the
sensors and satellites is evaluated providing actionable solutions to maritime companies in route
management.

Augmented Reality:
During training or maintenance operations, augmented and mixed reality technologies aid
operators by providing task-specific information. For example Virtual Reality(VR), provides
simulations of tasks at vessels, enabling more effective training. These technologies help in ship
engineering and design, the remote operation of boats and submarines, maintenance and
inspection.

5G
To avoid disruptions in operations real-time information is vital for planning data-driven process.
5G provides a network system that handles the high volume of IoT data with low latency
significantly optimizing port operations as well as vessel traffic management. 5G also enables
remote operations, including search and rescue operations.
 ENGINEERING MATERIALS

Before finalizing any material for the applications it is important to understand the mechanical
properties of the material. These properties will effect the strength and ability of the material to
be moulded in the suitable shape.
The important properties of the material are
Strength: It is the properties of material which opposes the deformation or breakdown of material
in presence of external forces or load. It should always be high.
Toughness: It is the ability of a material to absorb the energy and gets plastically deformed
without fracturing.
Hardness: It is the ability of the material to resist to permanent shape change due to external
stress.
Hardenability: It is the ability of the material to attain the hardness by heat treatment processing.
It is determined by the depth up to which material becomes hard. Hard ability is inversely
proportional to weldability of the material.
Brittleness: Brittleness of a material indicates that how easily it gets fractured when subjected to
external load. Generally brittle material will fracture without significant stress.
Malleability: It is a property of solid materials which indicates that how easily a material gets
deformed under compressive stress.
Ductility: Ductility is a property of a solid material which indicates that how easily a material
gets deformed under tensile stress. With increases in temperature ductility increases.
Creep and Slip: Creep is the property of material which indicates the tendency of the material to
more slowly and deform permanently under the influence of external mechanical stress. Creep is
more severe in material that are subjected to heat for long time.
Slip in material is a plane with high density of atoms.
Resilience: Resilience is the ability of material to absorb energy when it is deformed elastically
by applying stress and release energy when stress is removed.
Fatigue: Fatigue is the weak of material caused by the repeated loading of the material. When a
material is subjected to cyclic loading and loading greater than certain threshold value but much
below the strength of the material.
Elasticity: It is the ability of material to resume to its normal shape after being stretched or
compressed.
Plasticity: It is the ability of material to undergo some permanent deformation without rupture.
Plasticity will take place after elastic range exceed.
Stiffness: Stiffness is the resistance of material to elastic deformation or deflection. Stiffness of
structure is important for engineering applications. Hence modulus of elasticity is often one of the
prime properties when selecting a material.
Cohesion: It is the property of solid body by virtue of which they resist from being broken into
fragment.
Impact strength: The impact strength is the ability of a metal to resist suddenly applied loads.

The Engineering materials are classified as follows.

Non-Metals
Nonmetals are those elements which are non-lustrous, brittle and poor conductors of heat and
electricity (except graphite).
Physical Properties of Non-metals
 Brittle
 Non-malleable
 Non-ductile
 Non-sonorous
 Bad conductors of heat and electricity

Ex: H2, N2, O2, C, S, Si

Metals
Metal is a solid material that conducts heat & electricity, hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and
ductile.

Physical Properties of Metals

 Hard and have a high tensile strength – Carbon is the only non-metal with very
high tensile strength.
 Good conductors of heat and electricity – Graphite is a good conductor of heat and
 electricity.
 Malleable, i.e., can be beaten into thin sheets
 Ductile, i.e., can be drawn into thin wires
 High melting and boiling points
 Dense (except alkali metals). Osmium – highest density, and lithium – least density
 Lustrous – Metals have the quality of reflecting light from their surface and can be
Polished, e.g., gold, silver and copper. Iodine and carbon are non-metals which are
lustrous.
 Silver-grey in colour (except gold and copper) – Metals usually have a silver or grey
colour.

Metals can be divided into two main groups:

 Ferrous metals
 Non-ferrous metals

Ferrous metal: If a metal contains iron it is known as a ferrous metal.

Ex: Carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, etc

Properties of Ferrous Metals

 Durable.
 Great tensile strength.
 Usually magnetic.
 Low resistance to corrosion.
 A silver-like colour.
 Recyclable.
 Good conductors of electricity.

Non Ferrous metals

Metals that do not contain iron are known as non-ferrous metals. They don’t rust when exposed
to moisture and are not magnetic.
Ex: Aluminum, titanium, copper, brass, zinc, bronze, magnesium, etc

Properties of non-ferrous metals

 Easy to fabricate (including machinability, casting, and welding)

  High corrosion resistance.
 Good thermal and electrical conductivity.
 Low density.
 Non-magnetic.
 Colorful
.
Differences between Metals and Non Metals:
Property Metals Non-metals
Physical state at room
Solids (except Hg) Mostly gas or solid
temperature
Luster Metallic Dull or non-metallic
Electrical Conductivity Good electrical conductivity Poor electrical conductivity
Thermal Conductivity Good conductors of heat Poor conductors of heat
Density Generally high Generally low
Brittle and not malleable or
Malleability and ductility Malleable and ductile
ductile
Melting and boiling points Generally high Generally low
Generally non-reactive or less
Reactivity Generally reactive
reactive
Metals usually have a positive Non-metals usually have a
Oxidation state
oxidation state negative oxidation state
Corrosion resistance More prone to corrosion Have resistance to corrosion
Non-metals are not that
Cost Metals can be expensive
expensive

Differences between Ferrous Metals and Non Ferrous Metals:

Ferrous Metals Non-Ferrous Metals
Ferrous indicates the presence of iron in a Non-ferrous metals do not contain any iron.
bivalent state.
As ferrous contains iron, it shows magnetic Non-ferrous metals don’t show any magnetic
feature. feature which means it’s non-magnetic.
Ferrous metals are less resistant to corrosion. Non-ferrous metals are more resistant to
corrosion
One special feature of ferrous metals is it One special feature of non-ferrous metals is
possesses high tensile strength and durability. their malleability.
Ferrous metals can be oxidized. Non-ferrous metals cannot be oxidized.
Some ferrous metals are- vehicle scrap metal, Some non-ferrous metals are-aluminum and
demolition site scrap metal, metal offcuts from aluminum alloys, copper, brass, lead, zinc,
manufacturing industries. stainless steel, electronic cable etc
Ferrous metals are used - cutlery, kitchen Non-ferrous metals are used- water pipes,
equipment, ball bearings etc. electrical wire, decorative goods, soft solder
etc.
Ferrous metal includes mild steel, carbon steel, Non-ferrous metals are used where their
stainless steel, cast iron and wrought iron. difference from ferrous metals can provide an
advantage.
Ferrous metals make up the most recycled As per the recycling goes, many non-ferrous
materials in the world materials are relatively scarce.

CERAMICS:
A ceramic is a material that is neither metallic nor organic. It may be crystalline, glassy or both
crystalline and glassy.
Ceramics are comprised of three basic components - clay, silica (quartz), and feldspar.
Clay is one of the most common ceramic raw materials. It is used widely because it is found in
great quantities naturally and it is easily formed.
Examples: Clay, Glass, Cement, Tiles, Alumina ( Al2O3), silicon carbide( SiC) silicon nitride,
(Si3N4), and zirconia ( ZrO2).
Ceramic Properties:

 Harder and more brittle than metals

 Refractory
 Good thermal and electrical insulators
 Nonmagnetic
 Oxidation-resistant
 High elastic modulus
 Low ductility
 High dimensional stability
 Good wear resistance
 High resistance to corrosion and chemical attack
 High weather resistance
 High melting point
 High working temperature
 Low thermal expansion
  Low to medium thermal conductivity
 Low to medium tensile strength
 High compressive strength
 Medium machinability
 Opacity
 Poor impact strength
 Low thermal shock resistance

Applications of Ceramics
Advanced ceramics have a wide range of applications in various industries. Some examples
include:

Aerospace: Ceramics make up some high-temperature components such as turbine blades, heat
shields, and nose cones.

Biomedical: Ceramics show up in medical implants due to their biocompatibility, strength, and
wear resistance.

Electronics: Electronic devices receive ceramic components because of the material’s electrical
insulation properties and ability to dissipate heat.

Energy: Ceramic materials are important to energy applications such as fuel cells, solar panels,
and thermal insulation due to their thermal stability and temperature resistance.

Ceramic Products:
 Clay construction products - bricks, clay pipe, and building tile •Refractory ceramics -
ceramics capable of high temperature applications such as furnace walls, crucibles, and
molds
 Cement used in concrete - used for construction and roads
 White ware products - pottery, stoneware, fine china, porcelain, and other tableware,
based on mixtures of clay and other minerals.
 Glass - bottles, glasses, lenses, window pane, and light bulbs
 Glass fibers - thermal insulating wool, reinforced plastics (fiberglass), and fiber optics
communications lines
 Abrasives - aluminum oxide and silicon carbide
 Cutting tool materials - tungsten carbide, aluminum oxide, and cubic boron nitride
 Ceramic insulators - applications include electrical transmission components, spark
plugs, and microelectronic chip substrates
 Magnetic ceramics –example: computer memories
  Nuclear fuels based on uranium oxide (UO2 )
 Bio ceramics - artificial teeth and bones.
 Batteries and fuel cells
 Snowboards and skis, and other sporting goods including golf clubs and tennis rackets.
 Heat-resistant, protective tiles on the outside of the space shuttles.
 Electronic components - touch-screens, CPUs, magnetic memory devices, lasers and
solar-cells.

COMPOSITES
Composite material, also called composite, is composed of two or more materials each with
its own characteristics, are combined to create a new material with superior properties to
those of the individual constituents in a specific application.

Examples:
1. Reinforced concrete and masonry.
2. Composite wood such as plywood.
3. Reinforced plastics, such as fibre-reinforced polymer(FRP) or fiberglass.
4. Ceramic matrix composites (CMC)
5. Metal matrix composites(MMC).
6. Carbon matrix composites(CAMCs)
Properties of Composites:
 High Strength to Weight Ratio
 Light in weight
 Fire Resistance
 Fire Retardant- self extinguish by releasing CO2 while burning
 Lower Electrical and thermal conductivity
 Chemical & Weathering Resistance
 Manufactured in variety of aesthetic colours
 Translucency: Polyester resins are widely used to manufacture translucent mouldings and
sheets. Light transmission of up to 85% can be achieved.
 Longer life
 Design flexibility because of the versatility of composites, products can be designed as is
per your imagination.
Applications of Composites:
Aerospace engineering: Composite materials are used to manufacture engine blades, brackets,
interiors, nacelles, propellers/rotors, single aisle wings, wide body wings.
Defence Sector: Fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPs) are used in application such
as land systems, military aircraft, UAVs, naval vessels, and weapons.
Aeronautical Sector: Manufacturing of aircraft fuselage, vertical and horizontal stabilizers,
landing-gear hatch, floors, fairings, and rotor blades for helicopters.
Agricultural Sector: Bio-composite materials can be used to create support structures for crops,
such as trellises and stakes. These structures are lightweight, biodegradable, and can provide
sufficient support to growing plants without causing harm to the environment.
Automotive sector: Polymer matrix composite (PMC) in automotive vehicles include tires and
various belts and hoses as well as polymer matrix composite components (such as exterior body
panels) in automotive bodies. Tires are constructed from rubbers containing various additives.
Sports Sector: Manufacturing of high-performance bicycles, skis and surfboards, golf clubs and
tennis rackets.
Dental Composites: They are used to restore tooth structure lost through trauma, caries, or other
diseases.
Wind Energy sector: Wind turbine blades and nacelles are manufactured from composite
materials as they are to be lighter in weight with good strength and corrosion resistance as they
are constantly exposed to weather.
Carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials: They are used to make aircraft and spacecraft
parts, racing car bodies, golf club shafts, bicycle frames, fishing rods, automobile springs,
sailboat masts, and many other components where light weight and high strength are needed.
Oil and gas industry: composite pipes are likely rupture less and more reliable for high pressure
and steam-injection lines for the recovery of oil preserves. Composites can withstand the
detrimental effect of brackish water

SMART MATERIALS

Smart materials, also called intelligent or responsive materials, are materials that have one or
more properties that can be significantly changed in a controlled fashion by external stimuli,
such as stress, moisture, electric or magnetic fields, light, temperature, pH, or chemical
compounds.

Types of smart materials:

 Piezoelectric materials are materials that produce a voltage when stress is

applied.
 Shape-memory materials in which large deformation can be induced and
recovered through temperature changes or stress changes.
 Photovoltaic materials convert light to electrical current.
  Magnetostrictive materials exhibit a change in shape under the influence of
magnetic field and also exhibit a change in their magnetization under the
influence of mechanical stress.
 Temperature-responsive materials which undergo changes upon temperature.
 Chromogenic systems change color in response to electrical, optical or thermal
changes. These include electrochromic materials, which change their colour or
opacity on the application of a voltage (e.g., liquid crystal displays),
 Photomechanical materials change shape under exposure to light.
 Self-healing materials have the intrinsic ability to repair damage due to normal
usage, thus expanding the material's lifetime.
 Smart self-healing coatings heal without human intervention.
 Thermoelectric materials are used to build devices that convert temperature
differences into electricity and vice versa.
 Magneto rheological materials are a class of smart materials whose rheological
properties (ex: viscosity) may be rapidly varied by application of a magnetic field.

Smart Material Applications:

Electronics: The use of smart materials aids in the manufacturing of batteries that recharge
faster thanks to materials that increase their energy storage capacity.

Textiles: Smart textiles allow the textile product to respond or react to the wearer or the
environment in the fiber, yarn, fabric, dye or finish state

Construction: Smart materials have applications in the design of smart buildings. Smart
materials are used for vibration control, noise mitigation, safety and performance.

Aerospace industry: Main application direction of smart material is to realize self-perception,

self-diagnosis, and adaptive and self-healing functions.

Space crafts: Coatings such as ceramics are particularly effective in protecting aircraft from heat
and solar radiation.

Automotive: Smart materials used to make different parts of vehicles for durability, safety,
comfort, etc.

Biotechnology: Smart materials in medical implants automatically adjust according to patients’

health status, or diagnostic devices that automatically adjust according to clinical situations.