Damping performance of Cu-Zn-Al shape memory alloys in engineering structures

Abstract

The stress strain curves of two CuZnAl shape memory alloys which have the martensitic transformation temperatures of 50 °C and −10 °C respectively, were measured by using electronic material tester after treated by different heat-treatment conditions. The results show that the area enclosed by hysteresis loop of the CuZnAl shape memory alloy in martensitic state is much larger than that of the alloy in austenitic state with super-elasticity at room temperature. Therefore, the former has better vibration attenuation effect. After being oil-quenched, water-quenched, and step-quenched, the CuZnAl alloy takes on more stable shape memory effect, better super-plasticity and superelasticity (pseudoelasticity). A CuZnAl shape memory alloy damper was designed, produced and installed to a 2-layer frame structure. In addition, the vibration experiments were made by dynamic data collecting analysis meter. The velocity of vibration attenuation of frame structure with CuZnAl shape memory alloy damper is much faster than that without it. And with the help of CuZnAl shape memory alloy damper, the attenuation period reduces to 1/10 of the original.

Keywords

CuZnAl shape memory alloy / heat treatment / hysteretic property / structure damping