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.

Adaptronics is the term encompassing technical fields that have become known internationally under the names "smart materials", "intelligent structures", and "smart structures". Adaptronics contributes to the optimisation of systems and products. It bridges the gap between material and system or product, and incorporates the search for multi-functional materials and elements and their integration in systems or structures. The authors of this book have taken on the task of displaying the current state of the art in this fascinating field. The system components, actuators, sensors and controllers, technical fundamentals, materials, design rules and practical solutions are all described. Selected sample applications are also presented and current development trends are demonstrated.

The pace of progress in gossamer technology has been strong since the publication of Gossamer Spacecraft: Membrane and Inflatable Structures Technology for Space Applications in 2001. Solar sails are an obvious and public evidence of this trend. But there have been many other advances as well in structures, materials, testing, and systems engineering. Recent Advances in Gossamer Spacecraft focuses on many of these, either as gossamer technology that was not sufficiently represented in the previous volume, or that has had significant growth and activity in the intervening years. The most accurate and up-to-date information has been assembled, reviewed, and presented by an outstanding group of experts.