Shape Memory Alloy Plate Research Articles

Dynamic characteristics of shape-memory alloy plates immersed in liquid subjected to blast loading

As a critical structure in ship and marine engineering, axially moving shape-memory alloy (SMA) plates may exhibit complex dynamic behaviors. However, there are few studies investigating the dynamic response of SMA plates under underwater blast, let alone consider the effect of initial geometric imperfection and axial motion. Therefore, further studies on such topic are warranted. Based on this, the current paper dedicates to conducting the dynamic research of the geometrically imperfect SMA plate subjected to underwater blast. Firstly, adopting Falk's polynomial constitutive model, the stress strain constitutive relationship of SMA plate can be determined. Secondly, the Hamilton's principle is employed to derive the vibration equation. Thirdly, the assumed mode method and Runge-Kutta technique are applied for solving the dynamic system. After that, several comparative analyses are performed. Finally, the influences of immersed depth, axially moving velocity, initial geometric imperfection, elastic foundation, pulse load type, aspect ratio, length-to-thickness ratio, as well as blast loading parameter on the transient response path are discussed. These findings can contribute to understanding the dynamic behavior of the geometrically imperfect SMA plates immersed in water when subjected to blast loading, and thus providing valuable thinking for the manufacturing and design of submarine equipment.

Development of self-centring beam-to-column joints with large-dimensional SMA buckling-restrained plates

This paper presents an innovative self-centring (SC) beam-to-column joint (BCJ) design that utilises shape memory alloy (SMA) plates. The proposed SMA-SC-BCJ is constructed through a straightforward approach using large-scale SMA plates to concentrate inelastic deformation and achieve SC capability. This paper first introduces the components and configuration of SMA-SC-BCJ, followed by the development of a refined finite element model for simulations. Validation against previous experiments verifies the model accuracy in capturing joint behaviour. The analysis shows SMA-SC-BCJ exhibits desirable flag-shaped hysteretic behaviours with excellent SC capability, achieving approximately 92 % recovery alongside moderate energy dissipation. Substantial inelastic deformation localises in the SMA fuse plate due to joint rocking, with minimal plastic strain around the rocking centre. Parametric studies on shear element construction, bolt pretension levels and beam gap distances provide additional insights into the joint design. The proposed design meets the objectives for a minimal-damage beam-to-column joint with simple construction. The SMA-SC-BCJ design recommendations are presented on the basis of performance assessments, elucidating the effectiveness of the system. This work contributes an innovative seismic-resistant joint solution that advances the emerging practices towards resilient structures.

Experimental investigation on hysteretic properties and applications in beam-column connections of shape memory alloy plates

Experimental investigation on hysteretic properties and applications in beam-column connections of shape memory alloy plates

Microstructure and Shape Memory Properties of Gas Tungsten Arc Welded Fe-17Mn-5Si-10Cr-4Ni-(V, C) Shape Memory Alloy.

In this study, microstructure, mechanical, and shape memory properties of the welded Fe-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) plates with a nominal composition of Fe-17Mn-5Si-10Cr-4Ni-(V, C) (wt.%) by gas tungsten arc welding were investigated. The optimal heat input to ensure full penetration of the Fe-SMA plate with a thickness of 2 mm was found to be 0.12 kJ. The solidified grain morphology adjacent to the partially melted zone was columnar, whereas the equiaxed morphology emerged as solidification proceeded. The ultimate tensile decreased after welding owing to the much larger grain size of the fusion zone (FZ) and heat-affected zone (HAZ) than that of the base material (BM). Weldment showed lower pseudoelastic (PE) recovery strain and higher shape memory effect (SME) than those of the plate, which could be ascribed to the large grain size of the FZ and HAZ. Recovery stress (RS) slightly decreased after welding owing to lower mechanical properties of weldment. On the other hand, aging treatment significantly improved all PE recovery, SME, and RS via carbide precipitation. Digital image correlation analysis revealed that HAZ showed the lowest SME after heating and cooling, implying that the improved SME of FZ compensated for the low SME of the HAZ.

Pilot study on the feasibility of shape memory alloy implantation for Vancouver type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures in a canine model: a step toward advancing treatment modalities

BackgroundCerclage wiring is commonly used for treating fractures; however, it has several limitations, including mechanical weakness, decreased blood circulation, and technical complexity. In this study, we developed an implant using a shape memory alloy (SMA) and tested its efficacy in treating Vancouver type B1 (VB1) periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) in a canine model.MethodsThe mid-diaphyseal fracture models underwent reduction via the SMA plate (SMA group) or the cerclage cable plate (cable group) method in randomly selected pelvic limbs. An intraoperative evaluation was conducted to assess the surgical time and difficulty related to implant fitting. Clinical assessments, radiography, microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), histological analysis, positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, and galvanic corrosion analysis were conducted for 52 weeks to evaluate bone healing and blood perfusion.ResultsThe results for bone healing and blood perfusion were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). In addition, no evidence of galvanic corrosion was present in any of the implants. However, the median surgical time was 75 min (range, 53–82 min) for the SMA group and 126 min (range, 120–171 min) for the cable group, which was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0286).ConclusionsThis study assessed the ability of a newly developed shape memory alloy (SMA) to treat VB1 periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) in canines for over a 52-week period and revealed outcomes comparable to those of traditional methods in terms of bone healing and mechanical stability. Despite the lower surgical complexity and potential time-saving benefits of this treatment, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

A Novel Technique for Improving Cyclic Behavior of Steel Connections Equipped with Smart Memory Alloys.

Residual drifts are an important measure of post-earthquake functionality in bridges and buildings, and can determine whether the structure remains fit for its intended purpose or not. This study aims at investigating numerically, through finite element (FE) analysis in ABAQUS, the cyclic response of exterior steel I beam-hollow column connection using welded shape memory alloys (SMA) bolts and seat angles. This is followed by validating the numerical model using an accredited experimental data available in the literature through different techniques, (1) SMA bolts, (2) SMA angles, (3) SMA bolts and angles. The parameters investigated included: SMA type, SMA angle thickness, SMA bolt diameter, SMA angle stiffener and SMA angle direction. The cyclic performance of the steel connection was enhanced further by varying the bolt diameter, plate thickness, angle type and direction. The results revealed that the connections equipped with a combination of SMA plates and SMA angles reduced the residual drift by up to 94%, and doubled the self-centering capability compared to conventional steel connections. Moreover, the parametric analysis showed that Fe-based SMA members could be a good alternative to NiTi based SMA members for improving the self-centering capability and reducing the residual drifts of conventional steel connections.

Shape‐Memory Alloy‐Based Auxetic Smart Metamaterials: Enabling Inherently Bidirectional Actuation

Auxetic metamaterials, characterized by their negative Poisson's ratio, have garnered significant interest in various fields due to their unique mechanical properties. This article presents a pioneering approach to the development of auxetic smart metamaterials using shape memory alloy (SMA) as the core material. As SMAs can be Joule heated to change between their low‐ and high‐temperature phases to trigger the actuation of the structure, the auxetic smart metamaterial can actively modify its shape and stiffness to produce bidirectional actuation with a single power input and using a single bias mechanical element. The proposed active auxetic metamaterial consists of an SMA plate patterned with auxetic cuts, creating hinges that modulate the deformation of the structure to produce an auxetic behavior. This work looks at the impact of different geometric parameters on the behavior of the structure, including its generated force, its maximum strain, and its Poisson's ratio. The study also investigates the effect of the number of segmented units, revealing that designs with more segmented units suffer from stress concentrations near attachment points, limiting their advantages. This article shows that smart materials can help imbue metamaterials such as auxetic metamaterials with active properties to facilitate their implementation in future robotic applications.

Experimental study on flexural performance of prestressed concrete beams strengthened by Fe-SMA plates

Shape memory alloy (SMA) is an innovative intelligent material, capable of restoring its shape before deformation upon reaching the critical activation temperature. This property promotes its promising applications in civil engineering. This paper proposes a novel reinforcement method and aims to investigate the reinforcing effect of iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) plates on prestressed concrete (PC) beams through four-point bending tests on one reference beam without reinforcement and three Fe-SMA reinforced beams, as well as with three beams reinforced by carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The results show that Fe-SMA can effectively reduce concrete cracks, and improve stiffness and characteristic loads of beams without negative effects. Under the same loading conditions, new cracks of Fe-SMA reinforced beams were relatively fewer than those of CFRP reinforced beams. Besides, Fe-SMA exhibited superior performance when utilizing the same cross-sectional reinforcement material to enhance the bending capacity of beam, and proved more advantageous for improving stiffness and characteristic loads of beam under the identical initial tensile force. Furthermore, the reinforcing effectiveness of Fe-SMA positively correlates with the cross-sectional area (thickness) and recovery stress (pre-stretch level and activation temperature) of Fe-SMA. Increasing the thickness of Fe-SMA plates by 100%, while maintaining other parameters constant, resulted in a 33% increase in cracking load. Similarly, elevating the recovery stress from 314 MPa to 340 MPa led to a 12.5% rise in cracking load. This paper investigates the reinforcement effect of Fe-SMA plates on PC beams, and provides a reference for the application of Fe-SMA in PC beam reinforcement, laying a foundation for promoting the utilization of Fe-SMA in civil engineering.

Nonlinear dynamic and time-delay vibration control of axially moving shape memory alloy plate immersed in fluid

Nonlinear dynamic and time-delay vibration control of axially moving shape memory alloy plate immersed in fluid

Seismic behaviour of self-centring hybrid steel frames equipped with SMA plates under mainshock–aftershock sequences

This paper focuses on the mechanical behaviour, seismic application in steel frame connections and steel structure of shape memory alloy (SMA) plates. This study commenced by examining the hysteretic response of SMA plates subjected to cyclic tension tests, considering two different loading paths. Subsequently, a self-centring steel frame connection equipped with SMA plates and washers (SC-PW) was examined via quasi-static cyclic loading tests, and comparatively satisfactory self-centring behaviour was observed. However, the degradation of the initial stiffness of the SC-PW due to an initial imperfection was observed. An improvement strategy was proposed to overcome the degradation of the hysteretic behaviour (e.g., initial stiffness) of the SC-PW. Disc springs with a larger stiffness and preloads were introduced to overcome the degradation of the initial stiffness of the SC-PW, and the validation was confirmed via detailed finite element (FE) analyses. To improve the computation efficiency, a simplified FE model was developed to reproduce the hysteretic responses of the connection. Based on the simplified FE model, a six-storey prototype structure, i.e., a self-centring hybrid steel frame (SCHSF), equipped with the improved connection was developed, and the structural dynamic responses were investigated via nonlinear response history analyses, where mainshock–aftershock sequences were considered. The influence of the SMA material properties on the seismic behaviour of the prototype structure was investigated.

Experimental study on hysteretic performance of self-centring energy dissipation beam-to-column connections equipped with SMA plates

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) exhibit excellent superelasticity. Using SMA members together with other energy dissipation members can help balance the self-centring and energy dissipation capacities of structures to achieve a better seismic performance. A novel type of self-centring energy dissipation beam-to-column connection equipped with SMA plate was proposed. The quasi-static tests were conducted and the hysteretic performance of the connections was evaluated. The results show that the bending strength and stiffness of the specimens equipped with a two-layer SMA connecting plate were larger than those of the specimens equipped with a one-layer SMA plate. The connections showed a good self-centring performance, and the maximum residual drift angle was only 0.35% when unloading from 4% drift angle. The SMA-Q160/ALA connection could recover 79.2% of the loading angle at most. Moreover, a SMA-Q160/ALA parallel system configuration could significantly improve the energy dissipation capacity of beam-to-column connections. The total energy dissipation and equivalent viscous damping coefficient were larger than those of the connections equipped with only SMA plate.

Experimental study of shape memory alloy plates under cyclic tension–compression loading scenarios

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have garnered significant attention for their potential in earthquake-resistant structures, primarily due to their superelastic effect and exceptional self-centring capabilities. However, the mechanical properties of SMA plates, especially under cyclic tension–compression loading, remain underexplored. This research aims to bridge this gap by designing and testing 33 SMA plates equipped with buckling-restrained devices. The study varied parameters such as specimen thickness (4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm), loading protocols (seven in total), and test temperatures (25 °C and 0 °C). The findings reveal that the stress–strain curves under cyclic tension–compression loading exhibited asymmetric characteristics. For instance, at 25℃, a 4 mm thick specimen at 4% strain had a compressive peak stress that was 22.2% higher than its tensile counterpart, and its compressive residual strain exceeded the tensile residual strain by 99.0%. Furthermore, when compared to SMA plates under cyclic tension-release loading, those under cyclic tension–compression loading had reduced tensile residual strains. At 0 °C, the peak stress saw a decrease ranging from 2.4 to 43.1%, while the residual strain surged by 11.9–591.4% compared to the tests at 25℃. This study provides novel insights into the behavior of SMA plates under varied conditions, emphasizing their potential for seismic applications.

Effect of crystallographic orientation on the phase transition of a finite TiNi shape memory alloy wafer.

A simulation of a TiNi shape memory alloy plate was carried out at various crystallographic orientations using a free package for classical molecular dynamics LAMMPS. It was found that the crystallographic orientation of the plate has a significant effect on the phase transition temperature. The dependence of surface energy on temperature for crystallographic orientations (100), (110), (112), (122) was constructed. The stability of the model used was investigated, as a result of which its applicability in these calculations was confirmed.

Comparative analysis of process-induced strain glass states in austenitic and martensitic NiTi shape memory alloy plates

Strain glass alloys (SGAs) are metallic alloys with glassy martensitic nanodomains within a crystalline material that occur from compositionally or processing-induced strain. SGAs originate from shape memory alloys (SMAs) and exhibit similar shape memory properties and high actuation densities. The transition from SMA to SGA is relatively unexplored, and although there are similarities to amorphous SMAs and cold-worked SMAs, SGAs should be distinguished as a separate grouping. The transition occurs by interrupting the long-range martensitic order, which in turn disrupts the martensitic transformation, resulting in short-range martensitic order. A glassy martensitic phase is produced that exhibits enhanced structural and load-bearing abilities, functional stresses, and recoverability. In this study, the transformation from SMA to SGA is explored in two common commercially available SMAs, Ni49.5Ti50.5 and Ni50.8Ti49.2 (at. %), to compare martensitic versus austenitic SGAs, respectively. SMA plates were cold worked in 5% increments until a strain glass transition occurred. Characterizations of the samples at various stages of cold work were examined via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Vickers hardness, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD). Some prominent characteristics between the two plates, such as enthalpy peaks, twin size reduction, and crystallographic structure, were examined and compared to improve the understanding of the SMA to SGA transition.

Cyclic behaviours of superelastic shape-memory alloy plates joined by tungsten inert gas welding

The limitations of connection technology have long been an obstacle to constructing large-dimensional elements made of shape memory alloy (SMA). This is because techniques used to join small SMA elements (e.g., wires) may not be capable of joining the large-dimensional elements required for civil engineering structures. This study explored the feasibility of using tungsten inert gas welding to connect SMA elements. A welding technique was developed and tested on 2.5-mm SMA plates. Experimental studies used three measurement systems (including a smartphone-based digital image correlation system) to capture the cyclic behaviours of the specimens. The initial welded specimen exhibited stable flag-shaped behaviour with a desirable strength and ductility before the weld zone was activated (i.e., yielded). Subsequently, three additional specimens that had 70%, 50% and 30% reductions in the cross-section areas of the weakened segments were fabricated and tested. This weakening was performed to prevent activation of the weld zone and to concentrate any inelastic deformation in the base materials. The test results showed that all of the weakened specimens had desirable performances, showing the limited influence of the welding on cyclic properties. The 70% weakened element exhibited nearly the same behaviour as the unwelded specimen, but the large degree of weakening may result in uneconomical designs. The 50% weakened specimen achieved a good balance between the degree of weakening and delaying the failure. The 30% weakened specimen had a desirable performance, but the fracture occurred in the weld zone. These results successfully demonstrate the feasibility of using tungsten inert gas welding to create connections between large-dimensional SMA specimens, which will allow the production of larger-dimension and complex SMA elements in the future.

Experimental and numerical study on cracked steel bridge diaphragm reinforced with bonding Fe-SMA plate

This study proposes a novel iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) plate covered crack-stop hole method for repairing fatigue cracks at the arc-shaped cutout of the transverse diaphragm on the orthotropic steel bridge deck (OSD), which aims to reduce stress levels and increase the stiffness of the cracking part, in order to alleviate the stress concentration problem at the edge of the crack-stop hole. Firstly, a static tensile loading test on specimens strengthened by the proposed method was conducted. Results revealed that the edge stress of the crack-stop hole repaired by Fe-SMA plates with thicknesses of 1.75 mm activated at 150 °C, 2 mm activated at 200 °C, 2 mm activated at 150 °C, and 1.75 mm unactivated was reduced by 83.93%, 88.45%, 81.84%, and 66.76%, respectively, compared with those repaired only by the crack-stop hole method. Then, numerical simulations were carried out to analyze the geometric parameters and activation temperatures of the Fe-SMA plate, with the prestress of Fe-SMA simulated by an equivalent temperature method that had been validated through an activation test. Results showed that with the thickness of the Fe-SMA plate increasing from 1 mm to 3 mm, the stress concentration factor K of the hole edge decreased from 2.5 to 0.5. In practical application, it is recommended to use 2 mm-thick Fe-SMA plates, with a width just exceeding the crack-stop hole by approximately 10 mm to completely cover the cracking part and the hole. Further analysis indicates that the recommended activation length is 50–100 mm. Moreover, the repair effect is positively correlated with the activation temperature of Fe-SMA plates, indicating that higher activation temperatures can be used to improve repair efficiency within the acceptable temperature range.

Minimally Invasive Retrofitting of RC Joints with Externally Applied SMA Plate—Adaptive Design Optimisation through Probabilistic Damage Simulation

Beam–column joints are the critical section of many reinforced concrete (RC) structure types in which any failure could lead to the collapse of the entire structure. This paper attempts to employ a superelastic shape memory alloy plate as an innovative and adaptive external strengthening element to rehabilitate existing concrete beam–column joints and enhance the structure’s performance. An experimentally investigated beam–column joint is used as the case study, and it is investigated numerically to validate the effects of an innovative strengthening technique based on shape memory alloys. The results show that the proposed technique could increase the joint’s stiffness and reduce the risk of overall failure. A particular innovation in the proposed method is associated with the novel material itself but also with the fact that the increased potential costs of using special alloys are counteracted by its potential to produce these elements in an optimised industrially produced fastened plate. This fits-all construction product further allows a rapid and minimally invasive strengthening technique. Moreover, to achieve this, the plate is adaptively designed against random critical load combinations through probabilistic damage prediction.

Large-size shape memory alloy plates subjected to cyclic tension: Towards novel self-centring connections in steel frames

In this study, the hysteretic behaviour of shape memory alloy (SMA) plates under cyclic tension-release loadings was examined to promote their seismic applications, with an emphasis on large-size SMA plates with different geometries. Based on a series of SMA plate coupons extracted from base plates with different geometries, the thermal characteristics were investigated, and the phase transformation behaviour of the SMA plates was characterised. Subsequently, cyclic tension-release tests were conducted on the SMA plates in the laboratory, and the key mechanical performance indexes including the transformation strength, post-yield behaviour, self-centring capabilities, and energy dissipation abilities were carefully investigated. According to the results, SMA plates have a comparatively encouraging self-centring ability and moderate energy dissipation capabilities within a specified strain range. However, larger SMA plates show less satisfactory self-centring behaviour and are prone to brittle fracture at the edges. Based on the test programme, a numerical investigation was conducted to offer further insight into the potential applications of large-size SMA plates in the seismic field. A practical modelling procedure, namely the hybrid finite element (FE) modelling technique, was proposed and used to reproduce the degradation and cumulative residual deformation in the SMA plates. Moreover, nonlinear response history analyses (NL-RHAs) were performed on a prototype steel frame equipped with SMA plates in the connections to verify the feasibility of using large-size SMA plates in steel structures.

Variable-Sensitivity Force Sensor Based on Structural Modification.

Force sensors are used in a wide variety of fields. They require different measurement ranges and sensitivities depending on the operating environment because there is generally a trade-off between measurement range and sensitivity. In this study, we developed a variable-sensitivity, variable-measurement-range force sensor that utilizes structural modification, namely changes in the distance between the force application point and the detection area, and changes in the cross-sectional area. The use of shape-memory materials allows the sensor structure to be easily changed and fixed by controlling the temperature. First, we describe the theory of the proposed sensor. Then, we present prototypes and the experimental methods used to verify the performance of the sensor. We fabricated the prototypes by attaching two strain gauges to two sides of a shape-memory alloy and shape-memory polymer plates. Experiments on the prototypes show that the relationship between the applied force and the detected strain can be changed by bending the plate. This allows the sensitivity and measurement range of the sensor to be changed.

A study of hybrid self-centring beam-to-beam connections equipped with shape-memory-alloy-plates and washers

This paper examined the hysteretic performance of a novel hybrid self-centring beam-to-beam connection equipped with shape memory alloy (SMA) plates and SMA Belleville washers. An experimental programme employing three proof-of-concept test specimens with varied SMA plate geometries and connection configurations was conducted. The test connections showed recentring performance with controllable residual deformations. The encouraging energy dissipation capacity of the test connections accompanied by excellent ductility was also confirmed. Subsequently, a numerical study was carried out to help interpret the test results and to further examine the connection's load carrying mechanism. In the numerical work, a hybrid finite element (FE) modelling technique enabling reproducing the residual strain development of SMA plates under hysteretic loading was developed and verified. The test and numerical study showed that the self-centring ability of the connection was appreciably affected by the hysteretic behaviour of SMA plates. The FE results also confirmed that the connection behaviour was sensitive to the connection configuration, and a minor gap between the beam segments could initiate intense buckling of the SMA plates. Nevertheless, the lateral deflection of the SMA plates can be suppressed by effective buckling restraints. To facilitate practical application, a theoretical prediction model enabling the quantification of a bilinear skeleton response of the connection was proposed, and the adequacy of the prediction model was evidenced by the correlation among the results of the tests, FE simulations and design predictions.