A stressed timed-release multilayer composite, comprising a first stressed layer, and a second layer and third layer that hold the first layer under said stress. The second and third layers are configured to at least partially change to release at least a portion of the stress of the first layer in response to the second layer and/or the third layer being at least partially changed. Also disclosed is a stressed timed-release bilayer composite, comprising a first stressed layer and a second layer that holds the first layer under said stress forming a first physical curvature of the composite, wherein one or both of the first and/or second layers are configured to at least partially change and thereby form a second physical curvature. A stressed timed-release multilayer core-shell fiber is further disclosed.