Numerical investigation on the cyclic behavior of smart recentering clip-angle connections with superelastic shape memory alloy fasteners

Abstract

Superelastic shape memory alloy materials have become increasingly prevalent for recentering devices that have the ability to recover their plastic deformation automatically. For this reason, this study proposed new clip-angle connections incorporating superelastic shape memory alloy bolts. Including component spring models, mechanical joint models of steel bolted connections and shape memory alloy bolted connections are created for numerically simulating their cyclic behavior. The numerical analysis results are then compared to each other in terms of ultimate strength, energy dissipation, and permanent deformation. In particular, over 60% of the total displacement was recovered during unloads in case of shape memory alloy bolted connections, indicating that the proposed smart connections display obvious recentering features in their behaviors. © IMechE 2012.