Numerical Model of an Innovative Damping System Using Superelastic Shape Memory Alloy Rings

Superelastic shape memory alloys (SMAs) are promising materials for seismic applications since they have the ability to not only dissipate energy but also restore their original shape after large deformations. This study aims to develop numerical models of shape memory alloy rings designed as a new seismic damping system for building structures. This damping system is a tension-only concentrically braced device consisting of an SMA ring and four cables. The full-scale bracing system is tested under cyclic loading. The experimental results are then utilized to calibrate an Abaqus finite element model, which is then used as the basis of a parametric study to investigate the relations between the seismic performances and geometric dimensions of SMA rings. The results of this parametric study can be used to construct macro models of SMA devices in existing finite element frameworks.