References & Sources  -  August 1, 1998

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Smart threads act sensibly when hit

Fibers of a compound that converts mechanical energy to electricity and vice versa can be integrated into a composite material to sense movement or dampen vibrations.

References:

Sporn, D., A. Schönecker, and K. Pannkoke. 1998. Composites with piezoelectric thin fibers — first evidence of piezoelectric behaviour. Innovations in Materials Conference. July. Washington, D.C..

Further Readings:

Lipkin, R. 1994. Taking a walk on the lighter side. Science News 146(Dec. 10):393.

Perkins, S. 1997. Calming bad vibes. Science News 152(Nov. 22):328.

Wu, C. 1996. Smart materials for tiny robotic rovers. Science News 150(Dec. 7):359.

Sources:

Eric Cross
Pennsylvania State University
187 MRL
University Park, PA 16802

Dieter Sporn
Fraunhofer-Institut für Silicatforschung
ISC Würzburg/Germany
Neunerplatz 2
D-97082 Würzburg
Germany

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