Proceedings from the 7th European Conference on Composite Materials, London, UK, 1996

Smart structures is a term that has only recently penetrated the lexicon of technical terminology. The technology focuses broadly on the integration of functions including sensing actuation, processing and controls with materials, producing an enhancement of functionality forming Smart Structures. This enhancement in functionality results in an added value to the conventional material/structural entities, and inturn, this value added lead to many benefits. Two main application themes are currently of rpime interest in this workshop concern: structural monitoring, structural control.

Significant changes have occurred in materials science, including increasing demands on life extensions, and the reliability and exploitability of components, materials, and structures. These changes provide smart technologies with excellent application opportunities in aerospace, civil and electrical engineering, transportation, manufacturing, communications, defense, and medicine. Smart Materials and Structures presents an overview of current developments in the characterization and applications of materials and actuators, issues surrounding their control, and the integration of smart systems and technologies. This compendium provides a valuable synopsis of this rapidly expanding and topical research field for engineers, program managers, technologists, physicists, materials scientists, and mathematicians working to advance smart materials, research methods, their applications, and robotic technologies.

The first comprehensive coverage of all facets of the Claisen rearrangement and its variants. As such, this book helps synthetic chemists to exploit the vast potential of this elegant C-C linking reaction, discusses a wealth of catalytic options, and gives those more theory-minded chemists a detailed insight into the mechanistic aspects of the Claisen rearrangement. An invaluable source of information and a ready reference for all organic and catalytic chemists, as well as those working with/on organometallics, and in industry.