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All 4 Flashcards — Smart materials
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Question
Define a smart material.
Answer
A material with one or more properties that can be significantly changed in response to changes in its environment.
Question
Name the six smart materials in the guide.
Answer
Piezoelectricity, shape memory, photochromicity, magneto-rheostatic, electro-rheostatic and thermoelectricity.
Question
What is piezoelectricity, and which way does it work?
Answer
A squeeze or vibration produces a voltage — and it runs backwards too: apply a voltage and the material moves. Used in gas-lighter sparks and ultrasound probes.
Question
Why does a designer choose a smart material?
Answer
Because it replaces a mechanism. The material is both sensor and actuator, so there are fewer parts, no wiring and much less to wear out.
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Topic 3.1 hub
Material classification
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Design Technology exam skills
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