An Estimation of Joint Strength by Using Fe-Based Shape Memory Alloy Subjected to Bending Deformation at Various Deformation Rate

Abstract

In various kinds of shape memory alloy (SMA), Fe-based SMA (Fe-SMA) shows smaller shape memory effect compared with the other SMAs. However, Fe-SMA shows huge advantages on the excellent formability, machinability, etc. Moreover, its production cost is cheaper than other SMAs; therefore, the alloy is attempted to be applied to structural members such as joints and dampers. Since bending deformation at higher deformation rate is generated in the members, especially the joints, due to impact force such as earthquake or wind, a clarification on the bending strength of the joints at various deformation rate is strongly required. In this study, at first, it is attempted that the bending strength and its rate sensitivity of the joints which consist of Fe-based SMA are experimentally estimated by the three-point bending test at various deformation rate. Then, the force balance equation is challenged to be derived to predict the bending strength.