Can shape memory alloy composites be smart?

Shape memory alloys and their composites are often associated with the term smart material. In probing whether this is justified, we first attempt to define the term, then provide an opinion on the potential and remaining hurdles for SMAs and their composites to constitute smart materials, based on recent research. (C) 2003 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.