Multi-Physics Bi-Functional Intelligent Meta-Device Based on the Shape Memory Alloys

Transformation theory, succeeding in multiple transportation systems, has enlightened researchers to manipulate the field distribution by tailoring the medium’s dominant parameters in certain situations. Therefore, the science community has witnessed a boom in designing metamaterials, whose abnormal properties are induced by artificial structures rather than the components’ characteristics. However, a majority of such meta-devices are restricted to the particular physical regimes and cannot sense the changes taking place in the surrounding environment and adjust its functions accordingly. In this article we propose a multi-physics bi-functional “intelligent” meta-device which can switch its functions between an invisible cloak and a concentrator in both thermal and DC electric conduction as the ambient temperature or voltage varies. The shape memory alloys are utilized in the design to form a moveable part, which plays the crucial role in the switching effect. This work paves the way for a practicable method for obtaining a controllable gradient of heat or electric potential, and also provides guidance for efficiently designing similar intelligent meta-devices by referring to the intriguing property of shape memory alloys.