1334 Smart Shock Absorption Structures Based on Superelastic Shape Memory Alloy

Abstract

In this paper, a preliminary study on a shape-recoverable shock absorption structure consisting of hysteretic spring elements combined with a buckling mechanism which could achieve both high energy absorption efficiency and high energy dissipation efficiency is presented. In order to illustrate the basic idea, a conceptual model consisting of a two-link mechanism and a hysteretic spring is investigated. A proof-of-concept experimental model consisting of a two-link mechanism and a superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) spring is developed for the demonstrative purpose. A prototype of superelastic SMA-based "woven" shells is also developed to show a possible application of the proposed concept.