Innovative Materials

1
Innovative Materials

• A. Wickersham

2
Smart Materials

• What if we could manipulate the properties of
  materials?
• Smart 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.

3
ER (Electro-rheostatic) and MR (Magneto-rheostatic
)Smart Materials

• ER and MRs are fluids, that can dramatically
  change their viscosity (thickness).
• They can change from a thick fluid (similar to
  motor oil) to nearly a solid substance .
• They do this very quickly when exposed to a
  magnetic or electric field.

4
Applications

• MR fluids are being developed for use in car
  shocks, damping washing machine vibration,
  prosthetic limbs, exercise equipment, and surface
  polishing of machine parts.
• ER fluids have mainly been developed for use in
  clutches and valves, as well as engine mounts
  designed to reduce noise and vibration in
  vehicles.

5
Shape Memory AlloysSmart Material

• Shape memory alloys return to their original
  shape after being heated or when a current passes
  through them.
• Nitinol is a shape memory alloy made of nickel
  and titanium that shortens in length when current
  flows through it.

6
Application Entertainment

• Lamp that changes shape when on as a result of
  current.

7
Assignment

• Collect data on (1) new innovative material.
  Place information onto a PowerPoint and present
  to the class.
• Description
• Picture, if available
• Applications
• Who invented it?
• When was it invented