Innovative Applications of Smart Materials in Aviation: A Comprehensive Review

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 05 | Page : 114 132
    By

    Vishal Kaushik,

  • Sanika Misal,

  • Siddhi Atkare,

  • Shreya Gundewar,

  • Pooja Batani,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  2. Research Scholar, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  3. Research Scholar, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  4. Research Scholar, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  5. Research Scholar, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Smart materials are transforming the aviation industry by offering innovative solutions that enhance performance, safety, and sustainability. The use of smart materials can enhance the efficiency, safety, and longevity of aerospace structures by sensing, responding, and adjusting to environmental changes in real time. The objective of this review is to examine how smart materials can be used in aviation, especially in the field of sensor networks, control systems, and structural components. There is an increasing number of smart materials that exhibit adaptive behaviors in response to environmental stimuli, such as shape-memory alloys, piezoelectric elements, and self-healing composites, which enables real-time structural adjustments to improve aerodynamic efficiency. A detailed analysis is conducted into the potential benefits of these technologies for reducing aircraft weight, increasing component lifespans, and supporting advanced maintenance strategies. These materials not only optimize energy efficiency but also improve thermal management and provide innovative noise and vibration control solutions. Additionally, the integration of smart materials with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and their contribution to structural health monitoring are highlighted. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the future role of smart materials in shaping next-generation aircraft, with particular attention to fuel efficiency, environmental impact, and safety enhancement. Although these advances have been made, the review acknowledges that there are still many challenges, including cost, reliability, and regulatory hurdles that need to be overcome, and stresses the necessity of further research and development in order to resolve these problems. This study concludes by underlining that smart materials hold the potential to be transformative when it comes to creating more efficient, sustainable and safer aviation technologies in the future.

Keywords: Adaptive material, piezoelectric materials, shape memory alloys (SMA), smart materials, self-healing composites

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

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How to cite this article:
Vishal Kaushik, Sanika Misal, Siddhi Atkare, Shreya Gundewar, Pooja Batani. Innovative Applications of Smart Materials in Aviation: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):114-132.
How to cite this URL:
Vishal Kaushik, Sanika Misal, Siddhi Atkare, Shreya Gundewar, Pooja Batani. Innovative Applications of Smart Materials in Aviation: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):114-132. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=223151


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Special Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Special Issue 05
Received 24/01/2025
Accepted 21/04/2025
Published 20/06/2025
Publication Time 147 Days
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