Composite materials with embedded machines

A composite material, comprising:

• a matrix material;
• and
• a plurality of machines disposed in the matrix material, the plurality of machines acting to modify one or more physical properties of the composite material in response to forces acting upon the composite material;
• wherein the plurality of machines comprise an array of deflectable members arranged within the matrix material, one or more of the deflectable members deflecting within the matrix material when the composite material is subjected to stress;
• wherein the deflectable members comprise a transverse portion extending between opposing planar portions;
• and
• wherein the opposing planar portions are movable relative to one another about the transverse portion.

A composite material comprising:

• a matrix material;
• and
• a plurality of machines disposed in the matrix material, the plurality of machines acting to modify one or more physical properties of the composite material in response to forces acting upon the composite material;
• wherein the plurality of machines comprise an array of deflectable members arranged within the matrix material, one or more of the deflectable members deflecting within the matrix material when the composite material is subjected to stress;
• wherein the deflectable members comprise a transverse portion extending between opposing planar portions;
• and
• wherein the opposing planar portions and transverse portion define a substantially “Z” shape.

A composite material, comprising:

• a matrix material;
• and
• a plurality of machines disposed in the matrix material, the plurality of machines acting to modify one or more physical properties of the composite material in response to forces acting upon the composite material;
• wherein the plurality of machines comprise an array of deflectable members arranged within the matrix material, one or more of the deflectable members deflecting within the matrix material when the composite material is subjected to stress;
• wherein the deflectable members comprise a transverse portion extending between opposing planar portions;
• and
• wherein the transverse portion comprises a pair of connector portions extending between the opposing planar portions.

A composite material, comprising:

• a matrix material;
• and
• a plurality of machines disposed in the matrix material, the plurality of machines acting to modify one or more physical properties of the composite material in response to forces acting upon the composite material;
• wherein the plurality of machines comprise an array of deflectable members arranged within the matrix material, one or more of the deflectable members deflecting within the matrix material when the composite material is subjected to stress;
• and
• wherein the deflectable members comprise a base portion and a convex portion extending from the base portion, the convex portion being deflectable to a concave shape.

A composite material, comprising:

• a matrix material;
• and
• a plurality of machines disposed in the matrix material, the plurality of machines acting to modify one or more physical properties of the composite material in response to forces acting upon the composite material;
• wherein the plurality of machines comprise an array of elongate members disposed in the matrix material substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis, the elongate members having an asymmetrical cross-section that is deflectable between first and second shapes, the composite material exhibiting different physical properties as the elongate members deflect between the first and second shapes.