Comparative study of two types of self-recovery shape-memory alloy pseudo-rubber isolator devices under compression-shear interactions

Two types of novel shape-memory alloy-based devices with three-dimensional isolation potential and deformation recovery abilities were developed. These two types of isolators, which are called shape-memory alloy pseudo-rubber isolators, were both created with martensitic shape-memory alloy wires through weaving, rolling, and punching processes, but they underwent heat treatment at different fabrication stages and for different durations. A series of mechanical tests were performed on these two types of shape-memory alloy pseudo-rubber isolators to investigate their properties under compression, shear, and combined compression-shear loading at room temperature. The restorable shear limit was then investigated, and the corresponding shear failure mechanism was discussed according to a tension test of one thin layer of the shape-memory alloy wire mesh. Subsequently, the deformation recovery ability of the shape-memory alloy pseudo-rubber isolator with residual deformation was tested through heating on a thermo-control stove. Finally, the mechanical-property stabilities, energy-dissipation abilities, and recovery abilities were compared between the two types of shape-memory alloy pseudo-rubber isolator devices. The experimental results indicated that both types of shape-memory alloy pseudo-rubber isolators had excellent residual deformation recovery abilities, and the type-I shape-memory alloy pseudo-rubber isolator device had more stable mechanical properties than the type-II shape-memory alloy pseudo-rubber isolator. The type-I shape-memory alloy pseudo-rubber isolator device is thus an ideal candidate for traditional three-dimensional isolators.