Application of shape memory alloy to vibrating systems

The paper concerns shape memory alloy (SMA) application to properties control of the vibration isolation systems. These alloys are called “smart” because of their special functions and huge potential usage. Nowadays SMA is used widely in developing new kinds of actuators, clamps and as a material for special tools. Wide range of these applications usually employ one-way shape memory effect and superelasticity. Special properties of SMA are due to thermoelastic phase transformation phenomenon. During these transformations elastic modulus and energy dissipation properties in these smart alloys are changing. This phenomenon of changing SMA properties gets us possibility of applaying them in controlled vibration isolation systems. Such systems could change their properties and could adapt to current changing working conditions. By using SMA we could build smart vibrating systems. In the paper authors show applications of SMA springs to 1-DOF and 2-DOF vibration isolation systems. Moreover, the paper presents results of experimental investigation of 1-DOF and 2-DOF controlled vibration isolation systems conducted in Dynamics and Control of Structures Laboratory of AGH.