Built in dampers for family homes via SMA: An ANSYS computation scheme based on mesoscopic and microscopic experimental analyses

Shape memory alloys (SMA) are good candidates for solid state dampers because of their large recoverable strain and hysteresis. In this work, experimental analysis and modeling of the thermomechanical behavior for two SMAs is done. The SMA models are developed and included in a finite element simulation environment (ANSYS). Using these developing tools, a complete damping solution for a family house is outlined. The paper presents the design and optimization methodology for the dampers, analyzes their performance, and quantifies the relevant physical effects from the experimental measurements. The simulation results show that the SMA dampers are capable of reducing the maximum oscillation amplitude induced by “El Centro” accelerations by a factor 2 and that they dissipate 50% of the energy transmitted to the structure. Furthermore, SMA dampers constitute a passive, unsupervised damping solution appropriate for family houses.