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.