Efficient Piezoelectric technologies for aerospace and defense smart sensors, smart skin, smart combat suits, and energy harvesting

Advanced sensors and actuators, together with exponential improvements in computer technology, are causing a surge of interest in the development of “intelligent” structures and equipment. A smart structure consists of four key elements: actuators, sensors, control strategies, and power conditioning electronics. Numerous applications  include automotive springs, smart skins on aircraft, smart bridges, improved biomedical devices, and advanced military systems. The shorter-range interests address incorporation of sensors into systems that monitor structural performance throughout the life cycle. The long-range goal is the deployment of active systems that are able to autonomously adapt in response to a change in the environment. These technologies offer the potential of substantive advancements for better, more reliable structures.