Experimental and Numerical Study of Shape Memory Alloys for Vibration Amplitude Reduction in Mechanical Structures

This study explores the effectiveness of Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) for adaptive vibration control in mechanical structures through both experimental and numerical methods. SMAs were integrated into a cantilever beam, and their performance was assessed across different temperatures and vibration frequencies. The results demonstrate that SMAs can reduce vibration amplitudes by up to 45%, particularly at resonant frequencies when activated at elevated temperatures (75°C). A finite element model was developed to simulate the behavior of the system, showing strong correlation with experimental data, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of less than 4%. The validated model was further used to predict SMA performance under conditions not tested experimentally, confirming its reliability for broader applications. These findings show the potential of SMAs as compact, adaptive, and energy-efficient solutions for vibration control in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering. Future research should focus on optimizing activation response times, improving long-term durability, and exploring more complex structural designs for enhanced performance.