Smart Materials and Structures

A smart structure is a versatile system and combination of sensing, controlling and actuation steps which is like an elemental analogue of human body. Each smart materials acts as unit cells for smart structures in which each cell performs both sensing and actuation functions. It has capability to check for more than one optimum condition and exhibit its function. Smart Structures resist natural calamities and satisfies all the technological demands.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Self-Healing of Structures
• Dissipation of Energy in Structures
• Earthquake Resistant Structures
• Smart Resilient & Transition Cities
• Smart Building Systems
• Smart Home Networks
• Bullet Proof Structure
• Material Structure Prediction
• Composite Materials and Adaptive Structures
• Structural Engineering
• Green Buildings
• Smart Design and Construction of Special Structures
• Deformation of Layered Structures

Smart materials have vast applications in the field of engineering such as Aerospace, Defense, Structure and buildings, Marine, Automotive, and Computers and other electronic devices, Civil engineering, Medical equipment applications, and Rotating machinery applications. Innovations in health and beauty side helps in drug-delivery systems, medical clothing, to fabric with moisturizer and anti-aging properties. Many intelligent clothing, wearable technology, and wearable computing projects involve the use of e-textiles. Intelligent Structures of Architecture and Civil Engineering are been a field to reveal and uncover the ancient and magnificent architecture by human on redesigning the earth's geography. The recent research in the area of archeological technology, Structural engineering, and Civil Engineering is going on with various principles of geotechnical, structural, environmental, transportation and construction engineering.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Intelligent Traffic Surveillance System
• Smart Antenna Systems
• wireless camera network (WCN)
• wireless networks (WNs)
• Smart Home Networks
• Cyber security & Smart Grids
• Embedded system
• Big Data & Smart Service Systems
• smart camera
• Image Processing
• Object recognition.
• Complex adaptive systems
• Expert control system
• Medical control systems
• Programmable controllers
• Railroad control systems
• Remote-control system
• Sampled-data control system
• Traffic-control systems

Materials science is a hybridizing discipline which is mainly of design and discovery of new materials. It is the first academic discipline emerged by chemistry of fusion rather fission. The new academic discipline emerged by fusion of metallurgy, ceramics, solid-state physics and chemistry is the field which deals with identification, study and design of materials. Several properties namely bonding nature, shape, form and several other characteristics of a material is discovered so that the materials can be used to their maximum benefit in respective areas. The discipline is important both from a research perspective, as well as from an industrial one.

       Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Quantum and Statistical Mechanics
• Mechanics
• Mechanical Design
• Metal Alloys
• Structure and Properties of Ceramics
• Applications and processing of Ceramics, Polymers
• Polymer Structures
• Corrosion and Degradation of Materials
• Thermodynamics
• Kinetics
• Mechanics of Materials
• Micro and Nanoscale Materials
• Electronic properties of Engineering Materials
• Metals, Insulators and semiconductors
• Inductors, Electromagnets and permanent Magnets

Architectural technology which is one of the major sectors of civil engineering, which includes advanced innovations in structural engineering, which is very much concerned about the structures or building. In the construction industry, developmental projects usually require the knowledge and understanding of civil engineering and architecture. These are important disciplines that deal with the process of creating structures, such as buildings, airports, churches, houses etc. Both Civil Engineering and Architecture are involved in planning and designing structures. However, architecture focuses more on the spatial functionality and aesthetics of the developmental work and is more concerned with the artistry, look, feel and functionality of the design, while Civil Engineering concentrates on the structural elements of the design, making certain that the structure can endure normal and extreme conditions. Some of the major applications of smart structures include sea defense systems against raising sea levels, under water - on water constructions, floating and green cities architecture

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Architectural Technology of Structural Engineering
• Structural Analysis & Design
• Structural Engineering and Concrete Technology
• Transportation & Construction Engineering Concepts
• Under Water-On Water Constructions                              
• Floating and Green Cities Architecture
• Analysis and design of buried structures under earthquake loading
• Application and research of high-strength constructional steel
• Application and research of modular buildings
• Application of shape memory alloys in earthquake-resistant design
• Architectural acoustics
• Characteristics of supertall building structures
• Smart Concrete
• Fundamental design of reinforced concrete water structures
• Life-cycle analysis of civil structures
• Precast prestressed concrete pavement (PPCP)
• Smart net-zero energy buildings
• Structural materials
• Structural mechanics
• Smart Bricks and Fluids

Materials with any external dimension in the Nano scale or having internal structure or surface structure in the Nano scale. It has high surface to volume ratio hence very reactive. Bottom Up and Top down are the two methods for the preparation of nanomaterial.Nano Materials are designed for the benefits in various fields of applied Sciences and Engineering. These materials are Nano in size but have a big impact in the field of material science and engineering. Nano materials are smart materials with definite order of structures. Nanotech research involves practical applications in smart sensors and smart delivery systems and used as  Magnetic Nano devices, Nano-Biosensors, Nano switches and Optical biosensors. Few famous nanoparticles used in industries are monometallic, bimetallic, iron oxide, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Nanoparticles in sunscreen, cosmetics, some of the food products, used as chemical catalyst, very good adsorbents, Carbon Nanotubes for stain-resistive textiles, and cerium oxide as a fuel catalyst.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Nanobiotechnology
• Nanochemistry
• Nanoelectronics
• Nanofabrication / manufacturing
• Nanofluidics
• Nanomagnetics
• Nanomaterials
• Nanomechanics
• Nanometrology
• Nanophotonics
• Nanophysics
• Nanoplasmonics
• Inorganic Frame works as Smart Nanomedicines
• Nanoarchitectonics for Smart Delivery & Drug Targeting

Biomaterials are materials which are used mainly in medical in order to repair or replace the damaged tissue. They have great impact on cell growth and proliferation of tissues. In the emergence of these biocompatible biomaterials as implants, augments that has remolded medical treatment, allowing the development in the fields of tissue engineering and medical bionic devices. Biosensors are the analytical devices which can convert biological responses into electrical signals. Biomaterials have many applications in medical filed such as cancer treatments, artificial ligaments and collagen tissue, joint replacements, bone plates, and applications in contact lenses, and also having some non-medical applications such as to, blood proteins assays, growing cells in culture etc.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

•        Photopolymerizable hydrogels in regenerative medicine and drug delivery
•        polymeric implants
•        Bionanomaterials
•        Bioactive glasses
•        Biomaterials in spine surgery
•        Biomedical materials for cardiovascular stents
•        PEGylated ceramic nanophosphors
•        Phosphate-based glass fibers for biomedical applications
•        Biomaterials for Brain Therapy and Repair
•        Medical implants
•        Molecular probes and nanoparticles
•        Biosensors
•        Drug-delivery systems

The process of integration of Engineering, Material Science and Biology will lead to production of Smart Bioactive Materials, the field is known as Bionics. The progress of developing these materials and finding ways of processing them and integrating them into existing systems is the current challenge to the research institutes and industry.

There is a wide range of materials used for orthopedics and dentistry, from metals, alloys, ceramics, and polymers to bioactive glass systems and hybrid composites. Among them, calcium phosphates based and bioactive glass materials have attracted a significant attention and are widely used in bone tissue engineering.

       The issue is focused on the new frontiers in research studies dedicated to

•   Bioactive materials in the form of scaffolds, coatings, cements, etc.

•   Biomedical applications and related clinical investigations.

•  Synthesis and characterization of bioactive material systems, including powders, granules, scaffolds, films, injectable cements, foams, gels, etc.

• Theoretical simulations and modelling of bioactive materials

• Fabrication and processing Material-protein adsorption

• Material-cell interactions

• Clinical applications

Physics and chemistry are the basic natural sciences. Physics gives the broad idea about the matter and dynamic system. It tells about the motion and behavior of any objects through space and time. Chemistry basically tells about the compounds, composition, structure and physicochemical properties. The background of the physics and chemistry is the basic knowledge and are manifestation of every other branch

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Materials Physics

• Materials Chemistry

• Physical chemistry

• Catalyst Materials

• Electrocatalysts

• Thermodynamics

• Quantum physics

• Solid-state physics and Chemistry

• Nuclear physics

• Organic and inorganic Chemistry

• Analytical,Organometallic,Cosmetic Chemistry

• Polymer chemistry

• Nanochemistry

• Lubricants, coolants,semiconductors,metals,polymers,ceramics,glasses,liquid crystals

Optical and Electronic Smart Materials are the materials that are connected and related with light and electricity. It includes the study, design and manufacturing of smart materials that convert electrical signals into light signals and light signals to electrical signals and the devices which converts is called as an optoelectronic device. Optoelectronics intensifies on the quantum mechanical effects of light on electronic materials, and also in the presence of electric fields, i.e. semiconductors. Optoelectronic technologies consist of laser systems, remote sensing systems, fiber optic communications, optical information systems, and electric eyes medical diagnostic systems.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Optical detectors
• Optical imaging devices
• Optical modulators
• Organic light-emitting devices
• Organic-inorganic interfaces
• Piezotronics
• Nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS)
• Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)
• Micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS)
• Spintronics
• Quantum electronics
• Ferroelectrics

Structural Monitoring is a system with which a non-intrusive, active damage evaluation mechanism is attached to each structural component to continuously monitor the integrity of the structure or damages. Surface properties include surface tension, surface characterization, charge - charge interaction, etc. Physical properties are like size, shape, surface, compartmentalization, etc. and Mechanical properties include elastic modulus, hardness, fatigue, fracture toughness, etc. gives broad idea about the materials to manufacture desired smart materials. The electrical and magnetic phenomena alter the properties of materials must be studied for better prospective in manufacturing. Rheology is the branch of physics which deals with the deformation and flow of matter, especially for the non-Newtonian flow properties of smart fluids.

Rheology is the science that studies the deformation and flow of matter and it is a relatively young but highly multidisciplinary science that encompasses such different industrial areas of activity as plastics, ceramics, cosmetics, pharmaceutics, food and biotechnology, paints and inks, adhesives, lubricants and surfactants

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Stress and Strain

• Torsion and Pure Bending

• Pure Bending of Composite Materials

• Beam Deflection,Energy Methods and Columns

• Viscoelasticity

• Nonlinear Rheology

• Microrheology

• Polymer network

• Colloidal Suspensions

• Emulsions

Artificial Intelligence is applied when a machine imitates cognitive functions of human beings such as problem solving and learning. Machines and Intelligent systems are gradually taking over more routine day to day task. These machines and systems are mainly designed to do specific tasks in specific situations. There are fascinating examples ranging from chat-robots in healthcare, data-analytics, block chain technology in the energy sector, driverless cars in automotive industry and robot advisors in banking and finance.

 Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Natural Language Generation

• Machine Learning Platforms

• AI-Optimized Hardware

• Deep Learning Platforms

• Biometrics

• Robotic Processes Automation

• Text Analytics & NLP (Natural Language Processing)

• Digital Twin/AI Modeling

• Cyber Defense

• Marketing Automation

• Speech recognition

• Virtual Agents

A Sensor is a device that detects and responds to input from the physical environment. The various stimuli include light, stress, heat, motion, moisture and pressure. The output is a signal that is converted to human-readable and understandable outputs. An actuator is a component of a machine that is responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system. A transducer is a device that converts variations physical parameters into an electrical signal, or vice versa. These are key elements of smart controlling systems and structures.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• SENSORS: Thermal,Mechanical,Electrical,Chemical,Optical and acoustic Sensors
• TRANSDUCERS: Electricochemical,Electroacoustic,Electromagnetic,Electrostatic,ElectroMechanical,Photoelectric,Thermoelectric
• ACTUATORS:Thermal,Electrical,Mechanical Actuators

A Smart Grid is a system which includes variety of operational and energy measures including renewable energy resources, smart meters, smart appliances and energy efficiency resources. Batteries such as Lithium batteries are used in various types of mobile devices, including communication equipment, computers, entertainment devices, power tools, toys, games, lighting and medical devices. Solar energy has being derived from natural sources that doesn’t harm the behavioral and environmental factors. The energy which is taken from the sun is converted into solar energy (thermal or electrical) for further use. Fuel production is also done from solar energy with the help of high temperature. In energy storage, energy is capture which is produced at one time and is store for future use.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Advances in Renewable Energies & power Technologies
• Smart Grids,Biomass,Fuel Cells,Geothermal Energies
• Smart power and energy conversion
• Smart power trains
• Solar cell materials and devices
• Photovoltaic Cells
• Advanced batteries
• Super capacitors
• Vibration energy harvesting
• Energy Scavengers
• Thin Film Batteries
• Fuel Cell Technology
• Applications of Smart Grid Technologies
• Electrical loss minimization Techniques (ELMT) in electrical drives
• Smart Microgrids
• Low carbon technologies / Smart factories / Smart vehicles/ Smart grids / Smart Buildings / Smart Cities

Emerging Materials incorporates wide range of natural and man-made materials that relates the structure, synthesis, properties, characterization, performance and material processing.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Advances in Materials Processing Technologies
• Mechatronics and Intelligent Materials
• Key Engineering Materials
• Functional and Advanced Materials
• Progress in New Materials and Mechanics Research
• Ultra-Precision Machining Technologies
• Frontiers of Manufacturing Science and Technology

Manufacturing is wide area of inputs, processes and products which includes production of large ships to hand drilling equipment and from micro circuits to automobiles. Manufacturing covers a very wide range of field right from robots to highly mechanized lines and also simple day to day use equipment with mechanical activities.Thus, manufacturing industries in recent year produces a dimension scale of more than fifteen orders of magnitudes. The design and manufacture of huge machinery from ships and space crafts on one side while Nano and Pico technology on the other side of the dimension scale, highlights the challenges ahead for engineers and technologists. Advancement in manufacturing technologies unfolds lot of opportunities for the scientific and academic companionship.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Product Design and Development
• Integration of manufacturing elements
• Advanced Casting process
• Advanced Computer Aided Drawing
• Advanced Mechanical Machining process
• Intelligent Manufacturing Systems
• Simulation & Modeling of Manufacturing Systems
• Design for Manufacturing and Assembly
• Advanced Production & Operation Management
• Optimization Techniques and its application

Mathematical model is a description of a system using mathematical concepts. It helps to study a system and understands the effect of parameters on the system. Smart structure utilizes various materials which require characterization of their constitutive properties and development of models quantifies their interactions within underlying systems. Development of linear, nonlinear and hypothetical models constitutes amenable relation to control design and formulation of control law enhances the performance of smart structures.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to

• Building Models: Flow diagrams, mathematical equations
• Studying Models: Dimensionless form, Asymptotic behavior, Sensitivity analysis
• Testing Models: Testing the assumptions, Model Structure
• Using Models: Predictions with estimates of precision, Decision Support
• Dimensional Homogeneity and Consistency
• Abstraction and Scaling
• Conservation and Balance Principles
• Constructing Linear Models
• Modeling, simulation and control of smart materials
• Dislocations and Strengthening Mechanisms
• Phase Diagrams
• Multifunctional Materials and Structures

Materials discovery is a key element of the innovation cycle of energy conversion, transmission, and storage technologies, as well as energy use. Development of next-generation energy technologies faces the challenge of finding and integrating new materials at a faster rate. Even with current state-of-the-art technologies, the innovation process for the translation of new materials from laboratory to market can take 10 to 20 years and is very expensive. Accelerating and improving this process through international collaborative Research and Development (R&D) could result in major breakthroughs for the energy sector.

Future challenges require solutions that advance technologies for which it will be necessary to create materials with multiple functionalities, prescribed forms, and properties customized for specific applications and performance requirements. The field of materials science and engineering is at the core of such scientific and technological innovations

•  Aerospace Materials
•  Information Communication Technologies
•  Innovative Characterisation
•  Materials Discovery
•  Materials for Defence 
•  Materials for Energy and Sustainability
•  Materials for Healthcare
•  Novel Design and Processing
•  Smart Health
•  Advances in Smart Medical Textiles
•  Smart Textiles & Smart apparel
•  Design of Smart Home Networks
•  Smart Composite Coatings & Membranes
• Big data & Smart service systems

Smart Materials have the ability to return to their original environment or physical state after the removal of stimuli. A good memory is not something which money can buy. Thus the memory of these will play a key role in a way that many types of products are designed and assembled in the future. There are many applications for the technology in the Automotive, Aerospace , Appliance, Medical and Electronics industries.

Future materials isn't just a buzzword, it's an exciting field with developments that could very well spring great innovations for everything from building materials to clothing.

• Graphene
• Aerogel
• Carbon nanotubes
• Metamaterials
• Bulk diamond
• Bulk fullerenes
• Amorphous metal
• Superalloys
• Metal foam
• Transparent alumina
• E-textiles

The support of Government with its initiatives, the initiative R&D investment in the industries and institutions and the adoption of smart material products among various end-user industries like Defense & Aerospace, Automotive, and Consumer electronics has driven the market of smart materials. There is a high demand for smart materials on account of potential growth in emerging economies as well as evolution in Internet of Things (IoTs).It is expected that the smart material market will attain up to billion dollars by 2022. The trend in the market and the factors impacting the market are studied. Global Market Demand and Value of Materials in 

Aerospace and naval applications - Nitonol fluid fittings or coupling have are being used in military aircraft and naval craft.

Medical Applications - Tweezers for removing foreign objects via small incisions, anchors for tendon fixation and stents for cardiovascular applications

• Dentistry - Orthodontic wires, which no not need to be retightened and adjusted

• Safety devices - Safety valves/actuators to control water temperature and fire sprinklers

• Other uses include:

   • Spectacle frames

   • Household appliances and deep fryers

   • Clothing including underwire brassieres

   • Vibration control in the form of engine mounts and actuators for

      buildings

  • Fasteners, seals, connectors and clamps

  • Mobile telephone antennaes