Showing papers on "Smart material published in 1994"
01 Jan 1994
TL;DR: A general reference book for practising scientists and engineers who have an interest in composites, polymers or smart materials -a must for libraries or major companies, research institutions, government laboratories and universities as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Discover what constitutes a composite material, how a composite is made, when a composite is best for a given application, how a composite material or structure responds to a thermal or mechanical load, and how to design a polymer composite that meets a set of property requirements. A general reference book for practising scientists and engineers who have an interest in composites, polymers or smart materials - a must for libraries or major companies, research institutions, government laboratories and universities. An excellent textbook for graduate students and third-or-fourth year undergraduates in materials science and engineering polymer science and plastics engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering and chemical engineering. This book provides an excellent introduction to the basic principles of composite materials, including the classical lamination theory. In addition, recent developments in polymer composites have been included with full references, as well as coverage of several advanced subjects related to structural applications of composites. While current books generally contain little information about new forms of composites, including hybrids and textile structural composites (e.g., 2-D and 3-D woven or braided materials), this book includes in-depth discussions for their elastic constants, strength and failure, impact and damage resistance, and damping behaviour. Contents Include: Reinforcements and matrix resins, prediction of elastic constants and strength, fracture behaviour (including delamination), impact response, interface and interphases, fatigue, vibration, and damping analysis of polymer composites, recent advancements in manufacturing (emphasis on new thermoplastic processing techniques and strategies for improving manufacturing reliability of thermosets composites), intelligent (smart) composites and structures, polymer composites for automotive applications, recycling.
152 citations
TL;DR: Several simple experiments that illustrate the shape-memory, mechanical, and acoustical properties of Nitinol are presented in this article, where the shape memory and mechanical properties are discussed.
Abstract: Several simple experiments that illustrate the shape-memory, mechanical, and acoustical properties of Nitinol.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the characterization of the deposition of thin-film shape memory effect TiNi for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) as well as the cycling speed for MEMS are discussed.
17 citations
TL;DR: The evolution of a new kind of material termed "Intelligent", "Smart" or "Adaptive" by various researchers, e.g., Rogers (1988) and Ahmad (1988), witnesses a significant development in materials science whereby the referred-to smart material adapts itself to suit the environment rather than necessitating to control the same as discussed by the authors.
14 citations
14 Sep 1994
TL;DR: The ability of future materials to autonomously sense and respond to environmental stimuli has been proposed for several years [1, 2, 3] and some investigators envision large-scale, "smart" integrated function structures of Fifty years from now gradually evolving from the discretely instrumented and actuated structures of today and the near future for on-line, nondestructive evaluation as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The ability of future materials to autonomously sense and respond to environmental stimuli has been proposed for several years [1, 2, 3]. Some investigators envision Hie large-scale, "smart” integrated function structures of Fifty years from now gradually evolving from the discretely instrumented and actuated structures of today and the near future for on-line, nondestructive evaluation.
14 citations
14 Dec 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, a control design for feedback in fluid flows by control of a smart material structure with which the flow interacts is presented, where the authors consider an acoustic pressure chamber with one side consisting of a flexible beam with attached piezoceramic patches.
Abstract: In this paper we outline a control design for feedback in fluid flows by control of a smart material structure with which the flow interacts. Adaptive material such as piezoceramics offer challenging new possibilities in active control of fluid flows. A concrete example of such an effort has been considered by Banks et al. (1994), where the authors consider an acoustic pressure chamber with one side consisting of a flexible beam with attached piezoceramic patches as control devices. >
10 citations
13 Sep 1994
TL;DR: In this article, the main and tail rotors of a helicopter are reviewed and compared to the control design concepts of smart structures, leaving aside the areas of materials, sensor/actuators design, control algorithms, etc.
Abstract: The crucial components on which helicopter performance and handling qualities depend are the main and tail rotors, which are also strong contributors to the noise and vibration levels. Improvement of these elements leads to an enhancement of the overall rotorcraft quality. In this paper the aspect of smart structures applications chosen for consideration is that of control design concepts, leaving aside the areas of materials, sensor/actuators design, control algorithms, etc. Various design concepts of helicopter rotor control currently under consideration are reviewed, thereby indicating that rotorcraft technology is an area in which research into the application of smart structures may lead to significant improvements.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a selection of smart materials, including certain metals, polymers and fluids, are discussed before being comparatively evalu ated, and a method by which a figure of merit, relating dynamic compliance range to input energy, is derived.
Abstract: A number of smart materials exhibit the unique ability to be frozen into a fixed posi tion and orientation after undergoing physical deformation. A selection of such materials, including certain metals, polymers and fluids, are discussed in this paper before being comparatively evalu ated. A method by which a figure of merit, relating dynamic compliance range to input energy, is derived.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the feasibility of employing piezoceramic smart materials in active control of the higher harmonic vibration of hinged helicopter blades is investigated, and the individual-blade control concept is adopted to build feedback controllers that employ collocated smart sensors and actuators and are optimized to achieve damping augmentation for blade modes that significantly contribute to the airframe dynamic response.
Abstract: The feasibility of employing piezoceramic smart materials in active control of the higher harmonic vibration of hinged helicopter blades is investigated. The individual-blade-control concept is adopted to build feedback controllers that employ collocated smart sensors and actuators and are optimized to achieve damping augmentation for blade modes that significantly contribute to the airframe dynamic response. The results indicate that there is a parameter that will help the development of efficient smart rotors.
8 citations
06 May 1994
TL;DR: In this article, a design technique for optimal control in active structural vibration damping using smart materials is described, where the vibration of a cantilever beam is stabilized by feedback the weighted integration of vibration velocity in the closed loop system through the application of distributed sensors and actuators made of smart materials.
Abstract: We describe a design technique for optimal control in active structural vibration damping using smart materials. The vibration of a cantilever beam is stabilized by feedback the weighted integration of vibration velocity in the closed loop system through the application of distributed sensors and actuators made of smart materials. We model the beam by the Timoshenko beam model embedded with the distributed sensors and actuators to account for the shear and inertial effects on the structures. We propose an algorithm to find the optimal placement of the actuators and sensors so as to maximize the damping effect. An objective functional is defined based on the vibration energy of the system. The optimal shapes of the sensor and actuator are determined through minimizing the energy functional of the beam over the admissible shape function space subject to certain constraints. This approach can be generalized to cases of plate damping and active control of more complicated smart structures as well.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
5 citations
13 Sep 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, the static electromechanical properties of encapsulated actuator materials have been evaluated for aerospace applications using a standard PZT material, and the results of these measurements have been used to evaluate the suitability of actuators for aeroelastic performance.
Abstract: Within the field of 'smart' structures considerable interest has been shown in the use of piezoelectric materials both as sensors and actuators. One of the best characterized of these materials is the family of Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) based ceramics. The use of PZT in intelligent systems has been fairly widespread, the high modulus of the material give high authority actuation, coupled with a wide operational bandwidth and relative ease of control by the application of an applied voltage. The linearity of the actuation response over a limited range has made PZT a popular choice for high precision, relatively low displacement applications. A number of attempts have been made to utilize such actuators for aerospace, using both surface mounting [1] and embedding techniques [2,3]. The effects of actuators on aeroelastic performance has also been investigated for aerospace applications [4,5]. The current practical solution to this problem appears to be the use of spatially distributed actuators [6]. One of the practical limitations of this problem are the large number of actuators required to produce the required degree of static control. In order to ensure accurate shape control, measurements must be taken to ensure there are no significant difference in the actuator element properties due to factors such as batch processing variation. In the past this has proved difficult due to the extremely brittle nature of the actuator material. More specifically the requirement for thinner elements for use in embedded applications has increased this problem. A method by which the static performance of electroceramic actuators could be quickly established would therefore be desirable. This paper presents the results of recent work to develop a test method to define the static electromechanical properties of encapsulated actuator materials in order to assess their suitability as static actuators for aerospace applications. Preliminary results using a standard PZT material are described.
01 May 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of common implant materials and suggests smart materials that may be used as substitutes for traditional prosthetic devices, including artificial limbs, joints, and soft and hard tissue.
Abstract: This research reviews common implant materials and suggests smart materials that may be used as substitutes. Current prosthetic technology, including artificial limbs, joints, and soft and hard tissue, falls short in comprehensive characterization of the chemo-mechanics and materials relationships of the natural tissues and their prosthetic materials counterparts. Many of these unknown chemo-mechanical properties in natural tissue systems maintain cooperative function that allows for optimum efficiency in performance and healing. Traditional prosthetic devices have not taken into account the naturally occurring electro-chemo-mechanical stress- strain relationships that normally exist in a tissue system. Direct mechanical deformation of tissue and cell membrane as a possible use of smart materials may lead to improved prosthetic devices once the mechanosensory systems in living tissues are identified and understood. Smart materials may aid in avoiding interfacial atrophy which is a common cause of prosthetic failure. Finally, we note that advanced composite materials have not received sufficient attention, they should be more widely used in prosthetics. Their structural efficiency allows design and construction of truly efficient bionic devices.
14 Dec 1994
TL;DR: This method is novel because it is a unique damping modeling method without assumed damping linearity; based on experimental data instead of physical principles; hence it is applicable to smart structures of various materials and geometries; suitable for smart structure transient control, which is a critical issue in smart structures.
Abstract: Damping mechanisms exist in all vibration systems in general, and in smart structures in particular but their nature is little understood and there is no systematic method for modeling general damping. This paper describes a novel damping modeling method (the method of energy approximation, or MEA). This method is novel because it is: a unique damping modeling method without assumed damping linearity; based on experimental data instead of physical principles; hence it is applicable to smart structures of various materials and geometries; suitable for smart structure transient control, which is a critical issue in smart structures. Among the three quantities essential to an understanding of the dynamics of smart structures, mass, stiffness and damping, the last is the most complex and least understood. With technology advances in smart materials and smart structures, the need for a good damping modeling method is more urgent than ever. >
01 Jan 1994
TL;DR: The feasibility of using self-exitation/self-sensing with piezoceramics in vibration nondestructive testing is demonstrated using a combination of experimental and simulated data computational tests.
Abstract: We present theoretical, computational and experimental findings in initial investigations related to methods for detection and geometric characterization of damage in piezoceramic based smart material structures. The feasibility of using self-exitation/self-sensing with piezoceramics in vibration nondestructive testing is demonstrated using a combination of experimental and simulated data computational tests.
06 May 1994
TL;DR: In this article, the authors applied self-sensing actuation to a soft PZT stacked actuator used as a micropositioner and achieved a reduction of the actuator's decay time from over 1 ms to under 0.3 ms.
Abstract: Recently, more attention has been focused on improving open-loop performance characteristics of smart actuator materials. The impetus in pursuing this course of research is reducing the need for oftentimes costly and obtrusive independent sensors used for feedback to the actuator. Self-sensing actuation is a control technique that can be applied to many smart materials including piezoceramics. It involves extracting a sensing signal from the actuating material by use of a bridge circuit, then properly feeding this signal back to improve the actuator's performance. The research presented in this paper is concerned with the feasibility of applying this technique to a soft PZT stacked actuator used as a micropositioner. The result of applying this control technique was a reduction of the micropositioner's decay time from over 1 ms to under 0.3 ms. A major contributor to the success of this research was the insertion of a nonlinear capacitive element in the self-sensing bridge which negated the nonlinear effects of the PZT stack thus enabling an increase in the self-sensing signal to noise ratio.
01 May 1994
TL;DR: In this article, a combination of shape memory alloys (SMA) with ferroelectric ceramics is used to produce a smart material capable of performing both sensing and actuating functions, and the minimum crystallization temperatures for the Ti02 phases and PZT perovskite phases are determined and characterized by X-ray diffraction.
Abstract: Heterostructure multilayers of ferroelastic T1Ni coupled to thin film Ti02 and ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) produces a smart material capable of performingboth sensing and actuating functions. An important issue is the ability to generate the appropriate crystalline phases of each of the material and to minimize the chemical interactions from the surrounding material. Ti02 and PZT thin films were deposited onto commerciallyavailable TiNi substrates by the 501-gel process. Minimum crystallization temperatures forthe Ti02 phases and PZT perovskite phases were determined and characterized by X-raydiffraction (XRD). 1 . Introduction According to the USARO, a material is defined as being 'smart' if it has both sensing and actuating capability coupled by an innate control mechanism. A class of smart materials can be fabricated by combining shape memory alloys (SMA) with ferroelectric ceramics. Thesehybrid structures couples the broad mechanical stress-strain hysteresis properties of SMAwith the mechanical-electrical relationship associated with piezioelectric materials.
05 Aug 1994
TL;DR: In this article, the use of optical fiber sensor elements during the fabrication, inservice and degradation phases of smart material and structural systems is discussed, as well as their performance in high temperature environments.
Abstract: Optical fiber systems have been developed during the past twenty-five years for primary applications in
the high speed digital communication of information. Using much of the same rapidly-developing
technology optical fiber sensor systems have been developed during the past fifteen years for the
measurement of a wide range of physical observables and applications in aerospace and hydrospace,
civil structures and biomedical instrumentation systems. The major advantage of optical fiber sensor
methods over conventional sensor systems is the all-dielectric nature of the fiber and the intrinsic
avoidance of electromagnetic interference and ground loops that plague wire and metal-based sensing
networks. For physical property measurements in smart materials where actuator elements and arrays
are driven by high voltage electrical signals, such immunity is especially important.
Another major advantage is the operation of fiber sensors above the temperatures at which most
conventional sensor instrumentation will not operate. Such operation allows the use of properly
designed fiber sensors in situ for the analysis of the fabrication conditions of smart materials, as well as
their performance in high temperature environments. Sensor elements incorporated into the material
during fabrication may in some cases be used for material evaluation post processing.
This paper briefly suggests the use of such optical fiber sensor elements during the fabrication, inservice
lifetimes and damage and degradation phases of smart material and structural systems.
01 Jun 1994
TL;DR: In this article, the authors considered the modeling and active damping of an elastic beam using distributed actuators and sensors and discussed the shape of the actuator and its influence on the closed loop system performance.
Abstract: We consider the modeling and active damping of an elastic beam using distributed actuators and sensors. The piezoelectric ceramic material (PZT) is used to build the actuator. The sensor is made of the piezoelectric polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). These materials are glued on both sides of the beam. For the simple clamped beam, the closed loop controller has been shown to be able to extract energy from the beam. The shape of the actuator and its influence on the closed loop system performance are discussed. It is shown that it is possible to suppress the selected mode by choosing the appropriate actuator layout. It is also shown that by properly installing the sensor and determining the sensor shape we can further extract and manipulate the sensor signal for our control need.
13 Sep 1994
TL;DR: In this article, the results of a feasibility study for developing an efficient and effective design methodology to make systems "smart by design" is presented, where the primary focus is on computer-aided structural design to implement the intercoupling of modes of vibration and smart devices built in the original design of structures.
Abstract: In this paper, the results of a feasibility study for developing an efficient and effective design methodology to make systems 'smart by design' is presented. The primary focus is on computer-aided structural design to implement the inter-coupling of modes of vibration and smart devices built in the original design of structures. The conventional add-on elements are replaced by built-in multi tasks components. First, structures are designed so that a major portion of their vibration energy is localized into their non- critical areas and thereby isolate and quieten critical areas. Next, multi tasks smart components are integrated in the most critical locations of the system in order to monitor and maintain the designed vibration characteristics of the system.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
TL;DR: In this article, the defect generation mechanisms that occur during thermal cycling and to make processing and testing recommendations that would optimise the sensor performance were identified for three surface-mounted optical fibre sensors which were thermal spray bonded to high-temperature composite materials.
Abstract: Microstructural characteristic were identified for three surface-mounted optical fibre sensors which were thermal spray bonded to high-temperature composite materials. The primary objective was to determine the defect generation mechanisms that occur during thermal cycling and to make processing and testing recommendations that would optimise the sensor performance. A second objective was to identify areas of microstructural research that would have the most significant impact on the development of high-temperature smart materials.
The smart material systems of the present study were comprised of (1) silica optical fibre sessors bonded to titanium matrix composites (TMCs) using a nickel-based thermal spray, (2) silica optical fibre sensors bonded to TMCs using ceramic cement and (3) sapphire optical fibre sensors bonded to titanium matrix composites (TMCs) using a nickel-based thermal spray, (2) silica optical fibre sensors bonded to TMCs using ceramic cement and (3) saphire optical fibre sensors bonded to carbon–carbon composites (CCCs) using ceramic cement. The thermal and prior to any thermal stresscycling. In combination with the non-metallic spheroidal inclusions of the titanium matrix, the microcracking provided a mechanism for disbonding the optical fibres with a subsequent loss of sensor performance. A high degree of kporosity in both systems containing ceramic cements significantly reduced the interfacial bonding area. This, combined with the inherent ceramic brittleness, caused disbonding of the optical fibres in the cemented systems.
TL;DR: In this paper, small-signal immittance spectroscopy is employed as a viable tool to demonstrate electrical characterization, performance improvement, and quality assurance issues of smart materials-based components and novel devices.
Abstract: AC small-signal immittance spectroscopy is employed as a viable tool to demonstrate electrical characterization, performance improvement, and quality assurance issues of smart materials-based components and novel devices. The variation in the ac response, complemented via dc measurements within a range of tolerating temperature, delineates competing phenomena occurring in the microstructures of these engineering material systems. The results are presented in a generic manner with possible explanations on the mechanisms for two selected Debye-like (nearly ideal) and non-Debye (non-ideal) low-capacitance resistors. This spectroscopic approach allows systematic development of a representative equivalent circuit, considered to be the characteristic of the devices and components, for specific applications.
13 Sep 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a preliminary appraisal of the durability issues associated with the use of SMA hybrid composites, including the effect of actuator fraction on strain outputs and maximum strain on the cyclic stability of shape changes.
Abstract: 'Smart' structure are an emerging technology which will provide the possibility of engineering structures with enhanced functionality for a wide range of applications. In most current Smart Structural Concepts a mechatronic or 'Frankenstein' approach is adopted where separate sensors, signal processing and actuators are 'bolted-together' to produce a 'Smart' system response. In the majority of these concepts the sensors and actuators are integrated within the host structure itself, and many of the sensor and actuator materials are familiar from other more conventional sensing/actuation applications. Amongst the materials used/proposed for actuators are Shape- Memory Alloys (SMAs) since these materials offer a range of attractive properties, including the possibility of high strain/stress actuation. The literature-base on the integration of SMA actuators into composite structures is not extensive. However, their use has been investigated for vibration [1], acoustic radiation [1,2], damage [3], buckling [1,2], and shape [1] control. An interesting feature of this work has been a heavy bias towards modelling, with only limited attempts to experimentally verify the calculated results. Previous work has also failed to produce a systematic database on one other key issue. This is the durability of SPA hybrid composites. The present work was therefore undertaken to provide a preliminary appraisal of the durability issues associated with the use of SMA hybrid composites. This work addressed a number of issues including (i) the effect of actuator fraction on strain outputs, (ii) the effect of actuator fraction and maximum strain on the cyclic stability of shape changes, and (iii) the effect of these variables on damage accumulation within the hybrid structures.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
TL;DR: In this article, the deformation of a polydomain (polytwin) ferroelectric component is analyzed under different directional electric fields and constraints, and the authors propose a thermodynamic theory for layer composites with periodic (modulated) domain structures.
Abstract: Polydomain materials with periodic (modulated) domain structures are of potential practical importance since they can possess unique and desirable mechanical and physical properties. A twin related domain formation can be a result of constrained structural, ferroelectric or ferromagnetic transformations. The thermodynamic theory on the deformation of layer composites containing a polydomain (polytwin) ferroelectric component is analyzed. The deformation of the layer composite under different directional electric fields and constraints is calculated.
06 May 1994
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed powerful finite elements for characterizing sensor and actuator behavior, and constructed demonstration articles for assessing and quantifying the performance of advanced embedded actuators and sensors.
Abstract: The thrust of this research has been to develop powerful models for characterizing sensor and actuator behavior, and to construct demonstration articles for assessing and quantifying the performance of advanced embedded actuators and sensors. Powerful finite elements have been developed to model the sensor and actuator behavior for use in designing smart systems. The capability exists to accurately model fiberoptic sensors, piezoelectric material behavior, and shape memory alloy material behavior in both static and dynamic applications. These finite elements were written for use with the ABAQUS computer code. Real-time data interaction with the code allows active control simulations to be conducted. Existing control theories have been used to analytically simulate response control of randomly excited structures. In addition, both thermoset and thermoplastic composite structures with embedded piezoelectric actuators were fabricated. These structures will be used as benchmarks to evaluate our smart structure manufacturing capabilities. The manufacturing methods presented here have addressed the issues of sensor / actuator survivability, sensor / actuator integration, and process conditioning. Finally, the results for all tests are qualified and compared, and the implications for their relationship to future platforms are discussed.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
13 Sep 1994
TL;DR: In this article, a selection of applications utilizing hydrogels developed in our laboratories and based on crosslinked poly (ethylene oxide) is presented, where the dry form of the hydrogel will be referred to as a xerogel and the term hydrogll will refer to the material swollen to some degree with water.
Abstract: Hydrogels are materials which will swell in water but not dissolve. They are a large family of materials rather than a single entity. Indeed much of living tissue comprises hydrogel and the variety and function of this class presents the scope for the development of synthetic materials which can perform many so-called 'Smart' functions. The action of muscles, the selectivity of membranes and the contraction and expansion of various sphincters and the control of blood flow in veins and arteries might all be simulated with synthetic analogues. Such materials are now being demonstrated and systems which undergo large dimensional changes with changes in hydrogen ion or other ionic concentration have been reported while hydrogels which bend when subjected to an electrical potential difference have been made. Hydrogels can be incorporated into devices which can act as transducers, as sensors and as accurately controlled timing devices for the release of drugs and in other potential applications. This paper will illustrate a selection of these applications utilizing hydrogels developed in our laboratories and based on crosslinked poly (ethylene oxide). The dry form of the hydrogel will be referred to as a xerogel and the term hydrogel will refer to the material swollen to some degree with water.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
13 Sep 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, optical fiber-based short gage length Fabry-Perot sensors are used to experimentally verify an analytical model and allow determination of the nonlinear behavior of actuator elements without affecting their material properties.
Abstract: Piezoelectric/electrostrictive materials are a unique class of nonconducting, anisotropic materials which change in dimension due to the application of an electric field and thereby may be used as mechanical actuators. The most widely used actuation materials for acoustic transduction applications are piezoceramics, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and lead magnesium niobate (PMN). Disadvantages of these materials include relatively high creep and hysteresis, the tendency of the ferroelectric dielectric material to retain electric potential after the alternating electric field to which it is subjected reverses polarity, thus causing electrostatic action to lag the applied voltage. The need to study the geometrical, material, and time dependent nonlinear behavior, as well as the interaction effects between sensors and actuators, is increasingly apparent, although a unified approach for modeling the local and global response of a nonlinear active material system has not been accomplished. In this paper we discuss the use of optical fiber-based short gage length Fabry-Perot sensors to experimentally verify an analytical model and allow determination of the nonlinear behavior of actuator elements without affecting their material properties.
TL;DR: In this article, the giant magnetostrictive smart material, ETREMA TERFENOL-D®, is discussed to illustrate its potential for ultrasonic energy applications and frequency analysis, reliability and advantages of ultrasonic mechanisms using ETREma TERFenol-D® are also shown for a general broadband ultrasonic device.
Abstract: Many of the innovations in ultrasonic technology make use of modem smart alloys and materials. As a result, the theory and application of ultrasonic energy have become extremely important in various disciplines such as ultrasonic surgery, deaning and imaging. However, despite the fact that most of these ultrasonic devices are based on widely known materials, there remains a class of materials which have not been fully explored as potential active components in ultrasonic designs. In this paper, the giant magnetostrictive smart material, ETREMA TERFENOL-D®, is discussed to illustrate its potential for such applications. Frequency analysis, reliability and advantages of ultrasonic mechanisms using ETREMA TERFENOL-D® are also shown for a general broadband ultrasonic device. Frequencies between 1 kHz and 30 kHz were obtained for these applications.