Shape memory alloy (SMA) as a potential damper in structural vibration control

Abstract

The utilization of smart structure technologies to mitigate the vibrations of structures have been the prime focus of numerous scientists involved in the area of structural vibration control. Smart materials serve multiple purposes like that of sensing, actuation and also exhibit the capability of modifying and adjusting the structural behavior when subjected to sudden external shock like earthquake or blast. Smart materials are basically defined as those materials possessing special features and can be applied in the design of structures to enhance the structural performance. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are the most promising and prominent class of smart materials. When strained beyond 6–8%, SMAs possess the ability to regain its original shape. Reversible phase transformation is responsible for such sort of shape recovery. It can be either stress induced (pseudo-elasticity) or temperature induced (shape memory effect). This paper shows the potential of Nitinol (alloy of Ni and Ti) SMA damper to control structural vibrations when subjected to underground blast through a detailed computational study by considering a two-story steel frame as an example problem. Different bracing configurations of the damper are taken into account. A comparative study showing the effectiveness SMA braced damper over the conventional steel bracing is also carried out.