Search Results (536)

This paper introduces an innovative inner core for buckling-restrained braces, referred to as the Aluminum-Engineered Cementitious Composite-Circular Frustum Composite (ALECCYT) inner core, which incorporates multi-stage energy dissipation mechanisms and self-centering capabilities. The initial stiffness calculation formula for the self-centering circular frustum (YT) device is derived theoretically, and a sizing design methodology for its critical components is proposed, specifically tailored to achieve a preset failure mode. Based on this, seven YT device specimens with varying tonnages, both conforming and non-conforming to the design methodology, were designed and analyzed through finite element simulations. The results demonstrate that the hysteretic curve of the appropriately designed YT device exhibits a flag-like shape, with minimal residual displacement after unloading, effective hysteretic energy dissipation, and robust self-centering capabilities, while adhering to the intended failure mode. Conversely, specimens that fail to meet the buckling constraints may encounter failures such as Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) buckling, steel ring buckling, and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) ring buckling during loading, leading to the inefficient utilization of material strengths. The findings from the finite element analyses provide preliminary validation of the effectiveness of the proposed design methodology. Full article

This study presents an experimental characterization and numerical assessment of Cu–Al–Be (CAB) shape memory alloys (SMAs) for potential applications in U-shaped flexural plate (UFP) seismic dampers. Six alloy compositions were evaluated through monotonic tensile tests, ASTM F2516 superelastic protocols, and increasing-amplitude cyclic loading to identify the material exhibiting stable superelastic behavior at room temperature. Among the tested materials, alloy CAB4.76-A showed the most favorable response, with high transformation stress, stable pseudoelastic behavior, and strain recovery exceeding 95% for strains up to 2.5%. A phenomenological finite element model based on the Auricchio constitutive formulation was calibrated using experimental data within the validated strain range (ε ≤ 0.025), showing good agreement in stiffness and stress prediction. The calibrated model was subsequently applied to simulate the response of a UFP device under orthogonal cyclic loading. The results indicate a strong dependence on loading orientation due to coupled bending–torsion effects, with the 90° direction exhibiting significantly higher strength and energy dissipation capacity. Comparison with analytical formulations originally developed for steel UFPs showed that these expressions provide approximate estimates when applied to SMA-based devices. The results suggest that Cu–Al–Be alloys are a promising alternative for UFP applications, while highlighting the importance of loading orientation and the need for future experimental validation at a device scale. Full article

Future lunar missions, like the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), demand single-launch multi-point operations, urgently requiring reusable energy-absorbing structures. Integrating shape memory alloy (SMA) into honeycombs offers a promising solution; however, deformation exceeding the SMA’s recoverable limit induces structural residual deformation, altering the configuration and degrading subsequent energy absorption. To address this, we propose a semi-analytical, data-calibrated hybrid model predicting SMA honeycomb residual deformation. A four-stage linear constitutive model is established capturing superelasticity and martensitic yielding. Cell walls are idealized as equivalent beams. Using layered fiber integration and numerical interpolation, a nonlinear moment–curvature relationship is constructed, enabling rapid structural residual deflection evaluation from material residual strains. Finite element results confirm that initial residual deformation stabilizes the honeycomb into a reusable configuration, governing subsequent plateau stresses. Calibrated by uniaxial test data, the proposed model accurately predicts residual deformation ratios and reusable plateau stresses with errors within 8%. By bridging material-level strain with structural-level deformation, this approach circumvents computationally expensive full-scale simulations and costly experimental trials, providing a highly efficient tool for designing reusable SMA absorbers. Full article

This study investigates the nonlinear dynamic response and chaos evolution of a shape memory alloy hybrid composite (SMAHC) actuator beam under coupled thermal, harmonic, and aerodynamic excitations. A reduced-order nonlinear dynamic model was developed by combining Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, von Karman geometric nonlinearity, the Brinson SMA constitutive relation, and first-order piston-theory aerodynamics. The governing equations were derived from Hamilton’s principle, discretized by the weighted residual method, and solved using the Newmark-beta algorithm. Chaotic evolution was quantified using a largest Lyapunov exponent-based chaos intensity indicator rather than the exact Kolmogorov–Sinai entropy. The reduced-order model was compared with ABAQUS finite element simulations under representative coupled aerodynamic and harmonic loading. The MATLAB prediction and ABAQUS response gave a dominant frequency of approximately 9.50 Hz, close to the prescribed excitation frequency of 9.55 Hz, with peak displacement amplitudes of approximately 0.0285 mm and 0.0324 mm, respectively. A supplementary ABAQUS modal-frequency separation check supported the use of the two-mode reduced-order model for the dominant low-frequency response, while also clarifying its limitation for high-dimensional chaotic modal interactions. The parametric results showed that an increasing excitation amplitude and aerodynamic load promoted frequency broadening and chaotic transitions. The Lyapunov-based indicator rose near γ = 65 under λ* = 100 and near λ* = 328 under γ = 30. Temperature-dependent SMA recovery stress further shifted the transition threshold by modifying the effective stiffness and internal restoring action of the beam. These results provide a reduced-order framework for interpreting nonlinear response transitions in SMAHC actuator beams in thermo-aeroelastic environments. Full article

Hysteretic nonlinear vibration systems can exhibit jumps, coexisting attractors, and strong dependence on the initial state, particularly when material hysteresis is coupled with geometric nonlinearity. This paper investigates the global nonlinear dynamics of a harmonically forced single-degree-of-freedom oscillator incorporating pseudoelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) wires in a perpendicular geometric configuration. Cyclic force–displacement tests on pseudoelastic SMA wires are used to calibrate the constitutive response, after which steady-state dynamics are analyzed using time integration, numerical continuation (COCO), and basin-of-attraction computations over representative excitation frequencies, pre-tension levels, and the number of wires. The calibrated model predicts rich response regimes including jump phenomena, coexisting stable solutions, multistability, asymmetric periodic responses, and the pronounced dependence of the achieved steady response on initial conditions and internal state. Basin computations reveal sensitive partitioning of the state space between competing attractors, highlighting the influence of the initial and internal state in oscillators that combine pseudoelastic hysteresis with geometric stiffening. Additional numerical exploration of a negative pre-tension extension indicates transitions to more complex responses, including quasi-periodic and chaotic behaviour, but these are presented as secondary results outside the directly validated tension-wire regime. The results clarify how calibrated SMA hysteresis and geometric nonlinearity jointly shape multistability and basin structure in pseudoelastic oscillators. Full article

Seismic isolation systems are widely adopted in bridge engineering to reduce earthquake-induced force transfer and improve structural resilience. Conventional lead rubber bearings (LRBs) provide effective energy dissipation and period elongation; however, their limited recentering capability may result in significant residual displacement after strong ground motions. This study investigates the seismic performance of a two-level shape memory alloy–lead rubber bearing (TL-LRB-SMA) hybrid isolation system for multi-span bridges considering structural flexibility, support compliance, and geometric irregularity. A nonlinear analytical model of the hybrid isolator was developed and validated under cyclic loading using benchmark hysteretic behavior from the literature. Subsequently, a multi-degree-of-freedom numerical model of an eleven-span benchmark bridge was established and verified through modal analysis, equivalent static analysis, and comparison with MSBridge software (MSBridge Beta 1.0.1). Nonlinear time-history analyses were performed using multiple excitation scenarios, including the 1940 El-Centro record, Kobe ground motion, oblique seismic incidence, and combined loading cases. Flexible foundation conditions were represented using equivalent translational soil springs. The results indicate that the TL-LRB-SMA system consistently improves self-centering performance and significantly reduces residual displacement relative to conventional LRBs. For the regular bridge with 48 ft piers, residual displacement decreased from 0.786 inches to 0.268 inches under El-Centro excitation, while under combined excitation it reduced from 0.264 inches to 0.087 inches. For irregular bridge configurations, substantial residual displacement reductions were also observed under both longitudinal and oblique loading. Although moderate increases in peak displacement occurred in some cases due to staged SMA activation, the overall recentering performance improved markedly. Overall, the proposed TL-LRB-SMA system demonstrates strong potential for enhancing seismic resilience and post-earthquake serviceability of bridge structures, particularly in flexible and irregular configurations. Full article

For eyes-free operation of input interfaces, tactile feedback is increasingly recognized as an important means of transmitting intuitive information. In particular, auxiliary keypads designed for creators such as illustrators and designers can cause fatigue and input errors during prolonged use. To address these issues, we propose a tactile device that delivers input feedback directly through a single keytop. Conventional haptic actuators, such as eccentric rotating mass motors (ERMs) and linear resonant actuators (LRAs), have limitations, including vibration of the entire structure in which they are installed and operational noise. Therefore, in this study, we adopted shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuators to achieve localized stimulation and silent operation. By integrating three SMA actuators into a keytop, the proposed tactile keytop can present various types of feedback to users. The vibration characteristics of the SMA actuator were analyzed using a high-speed camera, and the results confirmed stable micro-vibration control. User experiments confirm high recognition accuracy in the tactile presentation of both spatial directional patterns and temporal rhythm patterns. In addition, qualitative evaluations demonstrate that driving frequency adjustment enables the presentation of a diverse range of tactile sensations. These findings indicate that the proposed tactile keytop has potential as a localized tactile feedback interface for future eyes-free input systems. Full article

Iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs) have considerable potential for the active strengthening of concrete structures, yet convenient externally applicable non-destructive methods for identifying local fatigue damage under cyclic loading remain limited. To investigate the weak magnetic response of notched Fe-SMA and its correspondence with local damage evolution, static tensile tests and constant-amplitude fatigue tests were conducted on Fe-SMA specimens with a semi-circular notch. Weak magnetic signals were continuously monitored at a fixed point throughout loading, and surface magnetic-field scanning was performed after fracture. Under static loading, the magnetic signal evolved consistently with the deformation response. Under fatigue loading, the fixed-point magnetic signal exhibited a clear three-stage evolution corresponding to the development of residual deformation. Compared with deformation hysteresis loops, magnetic hysteresis loops contained richer information on local damage evolution. After fracture, abrupt changes in the scanned magnetic field coincided with the actual fracture location, and the magnetic anomaly gradually attenuated as the scanning path moved away from the notch. These results indicate that weak magnetic signals can effectively characterise the evolution of local fatigue damage in notched Fe-SMA, with the normal magnetic component showing greater sensitivity to damage localisation and state assessment. Full article

Iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe–SMA) rebars can generate internal prestress in cement-based members after restrained thermal activation; however, the temperature actually reached by embedded rebars in cracked UHPFRC is difficult to infer from exposed bar segments. This study investigates electrical resistance activation of 4% prestrained Fe–SMA rebars embedded in pre-cracked UHPFRC beams and clarifies the activation-control problem by combining thermocouple measurements with a calibrated two-dimensional electro-thermal simulator. Twelve beams (150 × 150 × 600 mm) containing either Dramix 3D or Dramix 4D hooked steel fibers were first loaded in three-point bending to a mid-span displacement of 4 mm. The 4D series reached a 9.47% higher average pre-cracking load, confirming that fiber geometry modified the cracked state before heating. During activation, the exposed rebar segment reached 200 °C after approximately 77 s, whereas the embedded working segment reached the same target only after approximately 213 s; at that moment, the exposed segment was already close to 350 °C. The calibrated simulator reproduced the target activation time with an error of approximately 3 s and visualized the localized heat transfer from Fe–SMA to UHPFRC. The results demonstrate that activation control based only on exposed-bar temperature may cause under-activation of the embedded reinforcement, and that direct internal temperature monitoring is required for reliable Fe–SMA activation in cracked UHPFRC members. Full article

Concrete and cementitious composites exhibit brittle failure under shear stress, limiting their resilience in seismic and high-load applications; this study investigates whether crimped NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) fibers can enhance pure shear strength and ductility of mortar specimens, with particular focus on the effect of thermal activation. Z-shaped mortar specimens were prepared with SMA fiber volume fractions of 0%, 1.0%, and 1.25%, tested under both non-heated and heated conditions using a Universal Testing Machine, with deformation monitored via LVDTs and Digital Image Correlation. SMA fiber reinforcement increased peak shear strength by 13% and 14.5% for 1.0% and 1.25% fiber volumes, respectively, under ambient conditions, reaching up to 22% enhancement after thermal activation due to recovery-stress-induced prestressing; the 1.0% fiber volume achieved the highest ductility index of 4.05 compared to 1.03 for plain mortar, while SMA fibers had negligible influence on initial shear modulus but substantially improved post-cracking response and crack bridging. These findings demonstrate that crimped SMA fibers effectively improve shear resilience of cementitious composites, with 1.0% fiber content offering the optimal balance between strength and ductility, though activation protocols require careful calibration to minimize thermal degradation of the matrix. Full article

At particle-level engineering, this study mainly focused on the issues of microstructural heterogeneity and the high oxidation susceptibility of Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloys (SMAs) suitable for high-temperature actuation. Initial powders of Cu (82–83 wt.%) and Al (14–15 wt.%) were first milled mechanically and the Cu-Al particles were modified using an electroless Nickel (Ni) coating process to achieve a controlled Ni enrichment of 4–5 wt.%. The SEM-EDS, XRD, and TGA findings reveal that the cryogenic milling effectively reforms dendritic Cu and spherical Al particles into a refined composite structure. This process resulted in particle size reduction from 40–70 µm to 5–20 µm, and apparent density values increased from 3.45 g·cm⁻³ to 4.10 g·cm⁻³. Microstructural investigations showed that the continuous Ni layer, without generating unwanted intermetallic phases, was obtained with the help of an electroless coating process. In addition, it was confirmed that the crystallite size decreased from 52.10 nm to 41.71 nm. Additionally, the oxidation of nickel-coated and cryogenically milled powders occurred at temperatures above 350 °C owing to the formation of a protective surface layer. In other words, these powders exhibited higher thermal stability. Consequently, this dual processing procedure represents a very useful method for changing particle shape and interfacial composition. These combined methods can help to create a powder structure with a composition optimum for the making of high-performance Cu-Al-Ni SMAs. Full article

Type-IV composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) enable efficient hydrogen storage but experience severe thermal and mechanical loads that threaten structural integrity, necessitating reliable condition monitoring. This work investigates pseudo-elastic shape-memory alloy (SMA) strain gauges as a cost-effective alternative to fiber-optic systems for monitoring COPVs. Their performance was characterized on composite specimens using four-point bending tests. Additionally, a finite element model analyzed surface-strain behavior as a function of COPV geometry parameters and ambient temperature, enabling identification of optimal quarter-bridge measurement configurations. Full article

SMA bars, particularly those based on NiTi, exhibit superelastic and self-centering properties, providing damage-resistant, self-centering structural systems. However, their natural smoothness and low machinability pose a significant challenge to adequate mechanical anchorage. This paper experimentally measures the efficiency of two feasible wedge-type anchorage systems, wedge-and-barrel (WB) and spring anchor (SA), which are typically used in post-tensioning systems, and assesses their applicability for anchoring smooth-surfaced NiTi SMA bars. A total of 24 testing configurations were examined in this study. A complete monotonic tensile test regime was performed at steady loads with desired strain levels. The findings validate that both wedge-type anchorage systems were able to effectively anchor the SMA bars, although some performance differences were observed. The WB anchorage system showed increased stress capacity, improved load transfer efficiency, and less scatter across repeated tests, which can be attributed to its greater mechanical confinement and frictional interlock, exhibiting an increase of approximately 27% in stress capacity compared to the SA anchorage system. On the other hand, the SA system exhibited good anchorage performance. It showed a slightly lower stress response and greater variation at higher levels of deformation due to the spring’s compression mechanism. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using wedge-type anchorage systems to anchor SMA rebars for seismic applications and provide guidance for future anchorage design. Full article

In this paper, a novel high-shielding-effectiveness energy-selective surface (HSE–ESS) is proposed. In previous solutions regarding energy-selective surfaces (ESSs) presented in the literature, PIN diodes are usually employed as nonlinear transmission components; however, these diodes may be burnt by powerful high-power microwave (HPM) beams, causing ESSs to lose their shielding effectiveness (SE). To date, no studies have focused on maintaining the SE performance of ESSs after PIN diode failure. To address these limitations, we introduce shape memory alloys (SMAs) into ESS design. The consequences of PIN diode failure are offset by the physical deformation of SMA components caused by high-amplitude-current heating. This characteristic, featuring 30 dB SE, can be defined as high shielding effectiveness (HSE). After completing the design and performing accurate numerical simulations, we fabricated a prototype using PCB technology and characterized it in an anechoic environment, verifying the overall method. In particular, the SMA components proved to be an effective medium for guaranteeing electrical continuity under thermal stress conditions, thus paving the way for their extended adoption in ESSs by substituting or acting as a back-up for PIN diodes. Overall, this approach enhances the reliability and SE of ESSs by adding SMA components. Full article

Iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) fibers can enhance cementitious composites through both crack bridging and thermally activated recovery stresses. Since fiber pull-out governs load transfer at the micro scale, understanding the combined effects of fiber geometry, inclination, and thermal treatment is essential. This study experimentally investigated the pull-out behavior of hooked-end Fe-SMA fibers embedded in high-performance concrete (HPC). A total of 54 ASTM C307-type briquette specimens were tested using single-hook (3D) and double-hook (4D) fibers at inclination angles of 60°, 75°, and 90° under ambient, 100 °C, and 200 °C conditions. Additional flexural, compressive, and direct tensile tests were conducted on plain HPC exposed to the same thermal regime. At ambient temperature, 4D fibers showed 50–70% higher peak pull-out forces than 3D fibers. Heating to 100 °C further increased pull-out resistance by about 6–17%, and the 4D-60-100 configuration achieved the highest performance. In contrast, exposure to 200 °C reduced pull-out resistance by about 5–12% below ambient values. Overall, a 60° inclination generally provided a better response, while 90° produced the lowest. The results confirm that moderate thermal activation combined with double-hook geometry is the most effective strategy for maximizing Fe-SMA fiber–matrix load transfer in HPC. Full article