This book includes representative research from the state-of-the-art in the emerging field of soft robotics, with a special focus on bioinspired soft robotics for underwater applications. Topics include novel materials, sensors, actuators, and system design for distributed estimation and control of soft robotic appendages inspired by the octopus and seastar. It summarizes the latest findings in an emerging field of bioinspired soft robotics for the underwater domain, primarily drawing from (but not limited to) an ongoing research program in bioinspired autonomous systems sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. The program has stimulated cross-disciplinary research in biology, material science, computational mechanics, and systems and control for the purpose of creating novel robotic appendages for maritime applications. The book collects recent results in this area.

Magnetorheological fluids, smart fluids which change viscosity in the presence of a magnetic field, are of great commercial interest for many engineering applications such as shock absorbers and dampers in aerospace. Magnetorheology: Advances and Applications provides an update on the key developments in the physics, chemistry and uses of magnetorheological fluids. Topics covered include the role of interparticle friction and rotational diffusion, magnetoelasticity, nondimensional flow analysis, thin-film rheology, tribology, coated magnetorheological composite particles and magnetorheological devices with multiple functions. Specific chapters on applications cover adaptive magnetorheological energy absorbing mounts for shock mitigation, magnetorheological fluid-based high precision finishing technologies, adaptive magnetorheological landing gear systems and magnetorheological lag dampers for stability augmentation in helicopters. Edited by a leading expert and with contributions from distinguished scientists in the field this timely book is suitable for chemists, physicists and engineers wanting to gain a comprehensive overview of these smart materials.