Self-Healing Structures, Machines, and Systems

This book describes the behavior, underlying principles, and design of self-healing materials, structures, machines, and systems. Self-healing is a ubiquitous phenomenon. It appears in many systems ranging from the molecular scale up through to large macroscopic systems and in domains ranging from materials such as self-healing polymers to self-sealing tires, water distribution networks, and information systems, including control systems for damaged aircraft. Self-healing extends performance and endurance in ways that are just not possible otherwise. This book presents a unifying holistic approach to the operation and design of self-healing systems. It acts as a valuable reference for students, researchers, and engineers who are interested in understanding self-healing mechanisms and acquiring techniques to extend the performance and endurance of the structures, machines, and systems that they build, design, and study. Key Features: Describes the design, operating principles, manufacture, and performance assessment of self-healing materials, structures, machines, and systems. Presents a unique holistic approach to the engineering and inclusion of self-healing into structures, machines, and systems. Topics covered include materials, machines, vessels, structures, networks, and systems, with detailed discussions of polymers, concrete, machinery, pressure vessels, fuel tanks, knives, clothing, lasers, biohybrids, networks, and information systems.