Optimization Design of Assembly Performance of NiTiNb Shape Memory Alloy Joint

Abstract

In this study, the whole assembly process from pre-treatment to service of NiTiNb shape memory alloy (SMA) pipe-joint system is numerically simulated by using of the finite element method. With the change of the wall thickness of SMA joints and the pipe outer diameter, the contact pressure and pull-out force under different interferences and pipe diameter ratios are calculated. The results show that the contact pressure between the joint and the pipe increases with the increase of pipe thickness under the same NiTiNb-SMA joint. With the decrease of the joint’s wall thickness, the contact pressure reduces. The pull-out force does not increase with increasing SMA joints’ outer diameter and has a very slightly decrease with the increase of temperature.