Pseudoelastic shape memory alloy cables

Abstract

Conventional structural cables (wire ropes) are composed of steel wires helically wound into strands that are then wound around a core. Cables made from shape memory alloy (SMA) wires are a new structural element with promising properties for a broad range of applications. Among the many potential advantages of this form are increased bending flexibility for spooling/packaging, better fatigue performance, energy absorption and damping, reduced thermal lag, redundancy, and significant design flexibility. Currently there are few studies of SMA cables in the literature. This paper describes exploratory thermomechanical experiments that were performed on two commercially available cable designs.