Optimal design of a hanging truss with shape memory alloy wires

In this study, we discuss the dynamic problem of a column-type hanging truss structural system with pseudo-elastic shape memory alloy (SMA) bracing wires. In the case where the sectional area values of the bracing SMA wire members are small enough to be negligible, it is close to the situation where there are no braces. In the case where the sectional area values of the bracing SMA wire members are large enough not to be negligible, the vibration amplitude of the peripheral end apparatus is suppressed from the deformation point of view. In addition, energy attenuation efficiency is improved with larger sectional area values because of the hysteretic characteristic of SMA. Small sectional area values of the bracing SMA wire members near the support ceiling or peripheral end are beneficial to vibration transmission reduction. These findings indicate that the placement and sectional area values of SMA wire members are both significant from the viewpoint of suppression of influence of the support ceiling vibration of the hanging truss. In this study, we obtain the optimal sectional area values of the SMA wire bracing members for the objectives of vibration isolation and attenuation. We discuss influences of different vibration conditions on the optimal solutions.