Quasi-static axial buckling behavior of NiTi thin-walled cylindrical shells

The quasi-static axial buckling response of super-elastic NiTi thin-walled cylindrical shells has been investigated. The results show that the main buckling pattern is the non-axisymmetric mode with various circumferential patterns depending on the geometry of a specimen. The specific energy is strongly related to the geometry and the buckling mode of a specimen. The austenite-martenite phase transition is concentrated in the buckling area to form so-called phase transition hinges. The buckling behavior of a specimen is significantly related to the phase transition and phase transition hinges. After unloading a NiTi specimen can recover to its initial shape, which differs from an elastic-plastic specimen. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.