Exploitation of Smart Materials and Sensors as Disruptive Technologies

Abstract : Smart materials and sensor systems have made incremental advances across a broad set of Defence-related activities as materials technology continues to be developed, and a greater understanding of the underlying science gained. There is the potential for materials and sensor systems to be combined to effect a technological advantage for the Australian Defence Force in the military domain when exploited. This paper discusses the potential of these materials and systems to affect these changes, and addresses the expected future directions of the technology and systems research areas in the Advanced Materials and Sensor Systems Branch (AMSS) within Maritime Platforms Division (MPD) and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) as a whole. It will also provide guidance for the forward research program.