Smart Structures and Systems Laboratory was established in 1991 within the body of Mechanical Engineering Department at Inha University, and was designated as National Research Laboratory (NRL) by Korea Ministry of Science and Technology in 2001. It aims at conduction multi-disciplinary future-trended high technology programs focussed on smart material applications(ER/MR Fluids, Shape Memory Alloys, Piezoelectric Materials, Electroactive Polymers). The detailed research areas are as follows.

1. Design and Control of Functional Mechanisms Using Electrorheological Fluids, Magnetorheological Fluids, Piezoelectric Materials, Magnetostrictive Materials and Shape Memory Alloys: Shock Absorber, Engine Mount, Suspension System, Clutch/Brake, Robotic System, Servovalve System and Etc.
   
   
2. Vibration Control of Intelligent(Smart) Flexible Structures Featuring Electrorhelolgical Fluids, Piezoelectric Materials, Shape Memory Alloys and Optical Fibers: Flexible Beams and Plates, Flexible Manipulators, Appendages of Satellite, Helicopter Blades, Aircraft Wings and Etc.
   
   
3. Design and Control of MEMS, NEMS and Sensing Systems Utilizing Smart Materials: Micropower System, Micromechanical Actuator System, Micropump and Microvalve System, Torque Transducer, Tactile Sensor, Load Cell, Vibration Motion Sensor and Etc.
   
   
4. Robust Controller Design for Linear and Nonlinear Systems with Uncertainties: Sliding Mode Control, Fuzzy Control, Neural Network Control, H-infinity Control, Adaptive Control, Quantitative Feedback Theory(QFT) and Etc.
   
   

This visionary action is precipitated by developing novel and viable methodologies for modeling, designing and controlling high-tech structural and machine systems associated with smart materials. This short brochure presents embryonic but significant research flavors which are contributing to the knowledge-base upon which the next generation of the systems will be designed, engineered and manufactured to benefit the whole humanity for the 21st century.