Adaptive, tolerant and efficient composite structures

Book excerpt: Composite structures are most efficient in performance and production cost when combined with smart materials making them adaptable to changing operational conditions. The specific production processes of composites offer the possibility to integrate more functions thus making the structure more valuable. Active functions can be realized by smart materials, e.g. morphing, active vibration control, active structure acoustic control or structure health monitoring. The foundation is a sound understanding of materials, design methods, design principles, production technologies and adaptronics. Along the complete process chain this disciplines together deliver advanced lightweight solutions for applications ranging from mechanical engineering to vehicles, airframe and finally space structures. This book provides the scientific foundations as well as inspiring new ideas for engineers working in the field of composite lightweight structures.