Researchers at MIT are developing various shape-shifting materials, including carbon fiber composites, wood grains and textiles, that could lead to self-assembling structures or more efficient cars and planes. The materials shift between two or more shapes in response to changes in heat, air pressure, or other environmental factors. Shape-shifting materials are not new, but their use has been limited in aerospace because most materials can’t handle the conditions planes are exposed to.
Carbon composites, however, can be integrated into aircraft easily and replace the need for more complex hydraulic actuators, motors and hinges. Airbus is working with MIT to apply these materials to airplanes, such as a jet engine’s air intake valve, which needs to adjust as the plane changes altitude. In addition, supercar manufacturer Briggs Automotive Company is looking to the shifting carbon fibers for aerodynamics, working on the first non-mechanical morphing car airfoil.
Unlike other shape-shifting materials, MIT’s shifting carbon composites can be paired with different shape-changing materials that respond to different environmental triggers. This allows the engineers to choose a specific trigger that won’t be accidentally set off in the wrong conditions.
