smart structures

smart structures

[‚smärt ′strək·chərz] (engineering) Structures that are capable of sensing and reacting to their environment in a predictable and desired manner, through the integration of various elements, such as sensors, actuators, power sources, signal processors, and communications network. In addition to carrying mechanical loads, smart structures may alleviate vibration, reduce acoustic noise, monitor their own condition and environment, automatically perform precision alignments, or change their shape or mechanical properties on command.