A newly added Special Issue (SI) of the Materials journal, titled "Advanced Composite Materials for Structural Maintenance, Repair, and Control" focuses on the foundations, characterizations, and applications of several advanced composites [...].
Piezoelectric material transducers can work as an actuator or sensor. Generally, the actuator will be used to repair the structure, and the sensor will be used to find the health condition. In the last two decades, piezoelectric actuators have shown the capacity to lower and control the shear stress concentration and joint edge peel in adhesively bonded joint systems. Hence, this paper aims at reviewing the application of piezoelectric actuators in damaged structures and adhesively bonded combined systems based on three different repair investigation methods: analytical, numerical, and experimental. Moreover, the study also explores the delamination control of composite material beams and some other studies using a piezoelectric actuator. The specific aim of this work is to determine scientific challenges and future opportunities for considering piezoelectric materials in damaged structure investigations for novice researchers.
In the last three decades, smart materials have become popular. The piezoelectric materials have shown key characteristics for engineering applications, such as in sensors and actuators for industrial use. Because of their excellent mechanical-to-electrical and vice versa energy conversion properties, piezoelectric materials with high piezoelectric charge and voltage coefficient have been tested in renewable energy applications. The fundamental component of the energy harvester is the piezoelectric material, which, when subjected to mechanical vibrations or applied stress, induces the displaced ions in the material and results in a net electric charge due to the dipole moment of the unit cell. This phenomenon builds an electric potential across the material. In this review article, a detailed study focused on the piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEH's) is reported. In addition, the fundamental idea about piezoelectric materials, along with their modeling for various applications, are detailed systematically. Then a summary of previous studies based on PEH's other applications is listed, considering the technical aspects and methodologies. A discussion has been provided as a critical review of current challenges in this field. As a result, this review can provide a guideline for the scholars who want to use PEH's for their research.
Most engineering technologies, gadgets, and systems have been developed around the use of sophisticated materials. Composite laminates have found widespread application in various significant and innovative industries, such as aviation, maritime transportation, automobiles, and civil engineering. Recent studies have revealed that composite materials are extensively utilized in automotive, undersea, and structural applications. Extensive efforts have been dedicated to exploring the structural components constructed from composite materials due to their importance in engineering. While composite materials offer certain advantages over their metallic counterparts, they also present analysts and designers with intricate and challenging issues. Hence, this Review aims to highlight noteworthy studies on composite materials and their engineering applications, specifically focusing on structural components. Furthermore, this Review includes a comprehensive summary of the application of composite laminates, accompanied by a critical analysis of the existing literature in this field. By presenting this information, the Review intends to provide a valuable resource and guideline for researchers interested in leveraging composite materials for engineering structures.