A window is a unique element in a building because of its simultaneous properties of being "opaque" to inclement weather yet transparent to the observer. However, these unique features make the window an element that can reduce the energy efficiency of buildings. A thermochromic window is a type of smart window whose solar radiation properties vary with temperature. It is thought that the solar...

Shape memory materials are a class of smart materials able to convert heat into mechanical strain (or strain into heat) by virtue of a martensitic phase transformation. Some brittle materials such as intermetallics and ceramics exhibit a martensitic transformation but fail by cracking at low strains and after only a few applied strain cycles. Here we show that such failure can be suppressed in ...

With the fast development of Cyber-Physical systems (CPS), security in these special application environments starts to attract more and more efforts. In this project, we form a team of researchers in information security, power systems, simulation, and education evaluation to jointly develop educational materials and experiments for security education in smart grid. Multiple course modules for...

Powder metallurgic giant magnetostrictive composite materials (GMM) which are special kind of metallic compounds have a wide range of application possibilities. These materials have a homogeneous structure, low internal stresses and low cost, which make them able to create magnetostrictive elements. Therefore, GMM can be used to develop positioning as well as vibration actuators with quick resp...

Applications utilizing smart materials are rapidly increasing and include high speed milling and hybrid motor design. Such application utilize magnetostrictive transducers operating in hysteretic and nonlinear regimes. To achieve the high performance capabilities of these transducers, models and control laws must accommodate the nonlinear dynamics in a manner which is robust and facilitates rea...

Embedding microscopic sensors, computers and actuators into materials allows physical systems to actively monitor and respond to their environments. This leads to the possibility of creating smart matter, i.e., materials whose properties can be changed under program control to suit varying constraints. A key difficulty in realizing the potential of smart matter is developing the appropriate con...

Cyber Security of smart grids becomes more and more important to our everyday life for its wide implication in power systems, a critical infrastructure in a modern society. Many universities and corporations have put efforts in this field. However, there has been lack of emphasis on educational front of this important area. We believe that simulation systems designed for research purposes in th...

Integration of sensing capabilities with an interactive signage through wireless communication is enabling the development of smart packaging wherein wireless (13.56 MHz) power transmission is used to interlock the smart packaging with a wireless (13.56 MHz) reader or a smart phone. Assembly of the necessary componentry for smart packaging on plastic or paper foils is limited by the manufacturi...

As I type this commentary on my computer, I am reminded that the revolutionary advances in electronics over the past sixty years has made computing ubiquitous in our lives. Yet, the desktop computer on which I am typing can draw up to 200 Watts of power while the laptop I will probably switch to as I continue writing later will draw 60 Watts of power. In contrast, the human brain, which is not ...