• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• 제60권3호
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• pp.507-527
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• 2016

The use of shape memory alloys (SMAs) has been seriously considered in seismic engineering due to their capabilities, such as the ability to tolerate cyclic deformations and dissipate energy. Five 3-D extended end-plate connection models have been created, including one conventional connection and four connections with Nitinol bolts of four different prestress forces. Their cyclic behaviors have been investigated using the finite element method software ANSYS. Subsequently, the moment-rotation responses of the connections have been derived by subjecting them to cyclic loading based on SAC protocol. The results obtained in this research indicate that the conventional connections show residual deformations despite their high ductility and very good energy dissipation; therefore, they cannot be repaired after loading. However, while having good energy dissipation and high ductility, the connections equipped with Nitinol bolts have good recentering capability. Moreover, a connection with the mentioned specifications has been modeled, except that only the external bolts replaced with SMA bolts and assessed for seismic loading. The suggested connection shows high ductility, medium energy dissipation and very good recentering. The main objective of this research is to concentrate the deformations caused by cyclic loading on the connection in order to form super-elastic hinge in the connection by the deformations of the shape memory alloy bolts.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.111-125
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• 2019

Metallic shape memory alloys present fascinating physical properties such as their super-elastic behavior in austenite phase, which can be exploited for providing a structure with both a self-centering capability and an increased ductility. More or less accurate numerical models have been introduced to model their behavior along the last 25 years. This is the reason for which the literature is rich of suggestions/proposals on how to implement this material in devices for passive and semi-active control. Nevertheless, the thermo-mechanical coupling characterizing the first-order martensite phase transformation process results in several macroscopic features affecting the alloy performance. In particular, the effects of day-night and winter-summer temperature excursions require special attention. This aspect might imply that the deployment of some devices should be restricted to indoor solutions. A further aspect is the dependence of the behavior from the geometry one adopts. Two fundamental lacks of symmetry should also be carefully considered when implementing a SMA-based application: the behavior in tension is different from that in compression, and the heating is easy and fast whereas the cooling is not. This manuscript focuses on the passive devices recently proposed in the literature for civil engineering applications. Based on the challenges above identified, their actual feasibility is investigated in detail and their long term performance is discussed with reference to their fatigue life. A few available semi-active solutions are also considered.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제4권2호
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• pp.123-135
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• 2008

Damping capacity of SMA damping devices is simulated numerically under distinct geometry and loading conditions. Two-dimensional numerical simulations are performed on the basis of a phenomenological model of dynamics of martensite-austenite phase boundaries. Results of the simulations predict the time delay and the value of the stress transferred to other parts of a construction by a damper device.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제15권5호
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• pp.1271-1291
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• 2015

Helical structures made of superelastic shape memory alloys are widely used as interventional medical devices and active actuators. These structures generally undergo large deformation during expansion or actuation. Currently their behaviour is modelled numerically using the finite element method or obtained through experiments. Analytical tools are absent. In this paper, an analytical approach has been developed for analyzing the mechanical responses of such structures subjected to axial and torsional loads. The simulation results given by the analytical approach have been compared with both numerical and experimental data. Good agreements between the results indicate that the analysis is valid.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제17권5호
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• pp.819-835
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• 2016

In this paper, the activities carried out within the EU funded Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative (JTI GRA) Project and aimed at developing a morphing flap, are illustrated. The reference device is a regional aircraft single slotted flap, enhanced with deforming capabilities to obtain improved hyper-lift performance. The design started with the identification of the internal architecture, intended to allow camber variations. A concentrated-hinge architecture was selected, for its ability to fit different curvatures and for the possibility of easily realizing an "armadillo-like" configuration, then avoiding the use of a complicate deformable skin. The flap layout is made of segmented ribs, elastically hinged each other and span-wise connected by conventional spars. Relative rotations of the rib elements are forced by SMA structural actuators, i.e., cooperating in the external loads absorption. Super-elastic SMA are used to make up recovery elastic elements, necessary to regain the original shape after activation. These further elements in turn contribute to the overall flap rigidity. After assessing the hinge number and the size of the SMA active and passive elements, the advanced design phase was dealt with. It was aimed at solving manufacturing issues and producing the executive drawings. The realized demonstrator was finally tested in lab conditions to prove its functionality in terms of whether target shape actuation or attained shape preservation under loads. On the basis of the numerical results and the experimental outcomes, precious hints were obtained for further developments of the concept.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.213-228
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• 2020

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are new materials used in various fields of science and engineering, one of which is civil engineering. Owing to their distinguished capabilities such as super elasticity, energy dissipation, and tolerating cyclic deformations, these materials have been of interest to engineers. On the other hand, the connections of a steel structure are of paramount importance because of their vulnerabilities during an earthquake. Therefore, it is indispensable to find approaches to augment the efficiency and safety of the connection. This research investigates the behavior of steel connections with extended end plates equipped hybridly with 8 rows of high strength bolts as well as Nitinol superelastic SMA bolts. The connections are studied using component method in dual form. In this method, the components affecting the connections behavior, such as beam flange, beam web, column web, extended end plate, and bolts are considered as parallel and series springs according to the Euro-Code3. Then, the nonlinear force- displacement response of the connection is presented in the form of moment-rotation curve. The results obtained from this survey demonstrate that the connection has ductility, in addition to its high strength, due to high ductility of SMA bolts.

• 복합신소재구조학회 논문집
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.28-36
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• 2014

This study describes the development of innovative connections between steel beams and concrete-filled tube columns that utilize a combination of low-carbon steel and super-elastic shape memory alloy components. The intent is to combine the recentering behavior provided by the shape memory alloys to reduce building damage and residual drift after a major earthquake with the excellent energy dissipation of the low-carbon steel. The analysis and design of structures requires that simple yet accurate models for the connection behavior be developed. The development of a simplified 2D spring connection model for cyclic loads from advanced 3D FE monotonic studies is described. The implementation of those models into non-linear frame analyses indicates hat the recentering systems will provide substantial benefits for smaller earthquakes and superior performance to all-welded moment frames for large earthquakes.

• 한국안전학회지
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.27-33
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• 2005

The shape memory effect in Ti-50.4at.%Ni alloy after solution treatment at 1273K for 2h and aged at 350, 450, $550^{\circ}C$ for 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 10hrs had been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry measurement. It was found that ageing in the temperature range of $350^{\circ}C{\sim}550^{\cric}C$ induced complex transformation behavior, involving the R-phase and multiple-stage martensitic transformation. Usually aged Ni-rich NiTi alloys undergo martensitic transformation on cooling from high temperatures in two step : Austenite to R-phase and then R-phase to Martensite (normal behavior). In sample aged at $350^{\circ}C$ two distinct DSC peaks arised giving evidence of intermediate stages of martensite transformation. This results in the nucleation and growth of coherent $Ni_4Ti_3$-precipitate. These explain all features of the evolution of DSC charts during ageing including the number of distinct DS peaks and their positions.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.231-243
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• 2022

Beam-column joints (BCJs) are recognized among the most crucial zones in reinforced concrete structures, as they are the critical elements subjected to a complex state of forces during a severe earthquake. Under such conditions, BCJs exhibit behaviors with impacts that extend to the whole structure and significantly influence its ductility and capability of dissipating energy. The focus of this paper is to investigate the effect of undamaged transverse beam (secondary beams) on the ductility of concrete BCJs reinforced with conventional steel and shape memory alloys bars using pushover analysis at tip of beam under different axial load levels at the column using a nonlinear finite element model in ABAQUS environment. A numerical model of a BCJ was constructed and the analysis outcomes were verified by comparing them to those obtained from previous experiments found in the literature. The comparison evidenced the capability of the calibrated model to predict the load capacity response of the joint. Results proved the ability of undamaged secondary beams to provide a noticeable improvement to the ductility of reinforced concrete joints, with a very negligible loss in load capacity. However, the effect of secondary beams can become less significant if the beams are damaged due to seismic effects. In addition, the axial load was found to significantly enhance the performance of BCJs, where the increase in axial load magnified the capacity of the joint. However, higher values of axial load resulted in greater initial stiffness of the BCJ.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제22권5호
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• pp.495-508
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• 2018

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) exhibit superelasticity given the ambient temperature is above the austenite finish temperature threshold, the magnitude of which significantly depends on the metal ingredients though. For the monocrystalline CuAlBe SMAs, their superelasticity was found being maintained even when the ambient temperature is down to $-40^{\circ}C$. Thus this makes such SMAs particularly favorable for outdoor seismic applications, such as the framed structures located in cold regions with substantial temperature oscillation. Due to the thermo-mechanical coupling mechanism, the hysteretic properties of SMAs vary with temperature change, primarily including altered material strength and different damping. Thus, this study adopted the monocrystalline CuAlBe SMAs as the kernel component of the SMA braces. To quantify the seismic response characteristics at various temperatures, a wide temperature range from -40 to $40^{\circ}C$ are considered. The middle temperature, $0^{\circ}C$, is artificially selected to be the reference temperature in the performance comparisons, as well the corresponding material properties are used in the seismic design procedure. Both single-degree-of-freedom systems and a six-story braced frame were numerically analyzed by subjecting them to a suite of earthquake ground motions corresponding to the design basis hazard level. To the frame structures, the analytical results show that temperature variation generates minor influence on deformation and energy demands, whereas low temperatures help to reduce acceleration demands. Further, attributed to the excellent superelasticity of the monocrystalline CuAlBe SMAs, the frames successfully maintain recentering capability without leaving residual deformation upon considered earthquakes, even when the temperature is down to $-40^{\circ}C$.