A passive control device with SMA components: from the prototype to the model

The use of shape memory alloy (SMA) components in passive structural control devices was repeatedly proposed in the last decade by several research groups. Among these proposals, an efficient coupling of SMA bars with a sliding system was recently introduced by the authors. It was studied at a prototype level to implement a base isolator with displacement limitations. This paper addresses first the issue of an accurate quality control on the alloy. Indeed an undesired creep effect has been experimentally detected in some specimens: it should be systematically avoided in passive control applications. The further step covers the transition from the prototype results to an accurate modelling of the device.