An airflow control device comprises a body and an active material in operative
communication with the body. The active material, such as shape memory material,
is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal.
The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing
a change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension,
location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow to better suit
changes in driving conditions such as weather, ground clearance and speed, while
reducing maintenance and the level of failure modes. As such, the device reduces
vehicle damage due to inadequate ground clearance, while increasing vehicle stability
and fuel economy. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed
to further control the change in at least one feature of the airflow control device
such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness of the device.
A method for controlling vehicle airflow selectively introduces an activation signal
to initiate a change of at least one feature of the device that can be reversed
upon discontinuation of the activation signal.