Adaptive Materials and Structures: A Workshop Report (2013)
Chapter: 3 Second Day
Several participants argued that UAVs (UASs) in general are of high importance, but the least likely to benefit from adaptive materials and structures. They are inexpensive and easy to build, and currently, very difficult to defend against, even without reconfigurability or adaptive structural components. It was pointed out that today’s UAVs already benefit from adaptive materials such as shape memory alloys and electroactive polymers. Participants discussed whether marginal incremental performance enhancements are expected by the use of additional adaptive materials.
Participants then followed several lines of discussion dealing with vulnerabilities including: morphing, adaptive marine vehicles, adaptive optics, and granular materials. At the end of the session, the chair of the committee asked for some final thoughts from the attendees.
