Investigating the use of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) in structural design of a three-story building was the goal of this project. Determining the optimal passive device for reduction of vibration of the structure was the primary focus. The three-story building was modeled to match the first natural frequency of a typical three-story structure. The SMA devices - tension, torsional, and piston - were designed to be tested on the model of the building and compared to the same devices replacing the SMA members with steel. Experimentation was completed based upon relative displacement of the structure and acceleration of the walls. The tension device was found to reduce the relative displacement of the floors allowing us to acknowledge the structural capabilities of Shape Memory Alloys.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Talisse, Charles Anthony
• Valentine, Victoria B.
• Keene, Kevin Francis
• Swinehart, Scott Thomas
• Hopey, Jessica Marie
• Minka, Stephen Charles
• Winemiller, Marjorie Colleen
• Mercy, Shawn J.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 99A004M

Advisor

• Hart, Frederick L.
• Noori, Mohammad N.

Year

• 1999

Sponsor

• United Technologies Corp

Date created

• 1999-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright