The active tuning of a shape memory alloy pseudoelastic property

Abstract

To improve the damping performance of a shape memory alloy (SMA), we propose a concept of active tuning of its pseudoelastic property where the shape of the stress–strain curve is modified as desired by utilizing the material’s strong thermo-mechanical coupling characteristic. Simulated results are presented for a structural system in which SMA wires are used to suppress the vibration of a cantilevered beam by controlling the wire temperature using an electric current. This control increases the area of inherent hysteresis loop associated with the pseudoelastic effect and a large damping is obtained. In the system discussed, airflow is applied for cooling. It is shown that under forced heat convection the wire temperature can be changed fast enough to control a structure vibrating at more than 5 Hz. Simulated results seem to promise that the active tuning of SMA characteristics can increase its already high inherent damping by a factor of more than two. Experiments are also performed to validate the SMA model used in the numerical simulations.

Experimental investigation of vibration reduction using shape memory alloys

“…Both alternatives indicate SMA elements to be employed to promote vibration reduction in dynamical systems. Several research efforts presented different aspects of SMA applications in dynamical systems that include vibration absorbers and composite structures (Birman, 2008; Elahinia et al, 2005; Nae et al, 2004; Rustighi et al, 2003, 2005a, 2005b; Savi et al, 2011; Tiseo et al, 2010; Williams et al, 2001, 2002, 2005).…”

Modelling and simulation of a novel shape memory alloy actuated compliant parallel manipulator

“…Chaudhry and Rogers [21], studied the bending and shape control of an aluminium beam, and Kim and Cho [22] presented a simulation algorithm for a hinged bar and actuated by double SMA wire actuator using two-way SME. In reference [23], a cantilever beam attached with double SMA wire actuator was investigated towards damping by active tuning of its pseudoelastic property. As the modelling of coupled non-linear equations for the pillar and the actuated/unactuated wires are much complex, the modelling and simulation results obtained are presented now and the analytical solution will be presented in future work.…”

Experimental analyses of dynamical systems involving shape memory alloys

“…Both alternatives indicate SMA elements to be employed to promote vibration reduction in dynamical systems. Several research efforts presented different aspects of SMA applications in dynamical systems that include vibration absorbers and composite structures (Birman, 2008;Elahinia et al, 2005;Nae et al, 2004;Rustighi et al, 2003Rustighi et al, , 2005aRustighi et al, , 2005bSavi et al, 2011;Tiseo et al, 2010;Williams et al, 2001Williams et al, , 2002Williams et al, , 2005.…”