Cyclic test and numerical analysis of an innovative re-centering SMA cable-wrapped wedge friction damper

Abstract

In order to address the problems associated with conventional friction dampers, including excessive residual displacements, limited initial stiffness and unstable energy dissipation, a novel solution is introduced in this study: the SMA cable-based recentering wedge friction damper (RWFD). This innovative system integrates a re-centering mechanism controlled by SMA cables and a friction damper design designed to achieve re-centering functionality and stable energy consumption. This study details the complex construction and assembly of the re-centering SMA cable wedge friction damper and explains its principle of operation.In this study, loading tests have been performed on SMA cables and the results are given with conclusions and recommendations. In addition, this study also produces a real component equal to the RWFD 3D model for loading test, the loading phenomenon and results are analyzed, which provides important information for the subsequent simulation analysis.The finite element refinement model of RWFD, which is consistent with the theoretical model and experimental results, is established and rigorously verified, and the key parameters affecting the performance of RWFD are comprehensively analyzed: longitudinal thickness of SMA cable, initial pre-tensioning stress, transversal width of SMA cable, and friction surface coefficient. The load-displacement curves of the corresponding models were derived from the finite element model simulations and evaluated using the relevant performance indicators. The evaluation results not only validate the effectiveness of RWFD, but also provide valuable insights for optimising its performance.