New materials from theory: trends in the development of active materials

Active materials are materials that change shape when exposed to an applied field or a change of temperature. We review recently developed theory for active materials, with emphasis on predictions and methods that can guide the search for new materials. Special lattice parameters corresponding to certain special microstructures, texture, new concepts for large strain actuators, and the behavior of active materials at small scales are discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.