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The eight disciplines (8D – Eight Disciplines of Problem Solving) model is a problem solving approach typically employed by quality engineers or other professionals and commonly used by the automotive industry. It is a meticulous process used to solve complex problems and its purpose is to identify, correct, and eliminate recurring problems, and it is useful in product and process improvement. The 8D is a method of analysis that after the detection of an irregularity, identifies and seeks the methods of solving and preventing nonconformity. It is a highly disciplined and effective scientific approach for resolving recurring problems and provides excellent guidelines to identify the root cause of the problem, implement containment actions, develop and then implement corrective actions and preventive actions that make the problem go away permanently. Therefore, the Eight Disciplines of Problem Solving (8D) is a problem-solving tool used usually in response to the removal parameters or known product specifications set by customers and incorporates all the important aspects of problem solving: problem description, root cause analysis, correcting the problem and preventing the problem. The approach establishes a permanent corrective action based on statistical analysis of the problem and focuses on the origin of the problem by determining its root causes. Although it originally comprised eight stages, or disciplines, it was later augmented by an initial planning stage. The 8D method application will result in improved products and processes is structured into eight disciplines, focusing on the synergy of the team. This is a popular method for problem solving because it is reasonably easy to teach and effective.

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The developments of new and innovative materials are contributing significantly to the large scale such as automotive industry. Century by century uncountable inventions and developments were dedicated to synchronized technological advancement. Smart materials are highly efficient materials and their performance comes at high costs associated with the high level of R&D involved. Therefore, invention of these materials conceptualized to produce effective sensors and actuators according to the purpose. Some everyday items are already incorporating such smart materials, and the number of applications for them is growing steadily. Invention of functional and intelligent materials introduced new concept of intelligent infrastructure systems, autonomous systems, smart structures and robotics in the bygone years. Smart materials include the piezoelectric materials (PZT).