Research Article Open Access

Preliminary Experimental and Finite-Element Numerical Assessment of the Structural Performance of SMA-Reinforced GFRP Systems

Filipe Amarante dos Santos1 and Chiara Bedon2
  • 1 Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
  • 2 University of Trieste, Italy

Abstract

In this study, the feasibility and potentiality of a novel design concept is explored by means of small scale experimental tests and Finite-Element numerical simulation. Taking advantage of the intrinsic potentiality of Shape-Memory Alloys wires able to work as adaptive actuators when subjected to joule heating, a 'smart-GFRP' concept consisting in Glass-Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer (GFRP) structural members with a SMA reinforcement is preliminary assessed. As shown, as far as the working temperature increases, important structural benefits can be achieved in terms of overall performance of the proposed composite systems. The potentiality of the same design concept is then further assessed by means of a practical calculation example.

American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Volume 9 No. 3, 2016, 692-701

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajeassp.2016.692.701

Submitted On: 8 August 2016 Published On: 27 September 2016

How to Cite: dos Santos, F. A. & Bedon, C. (2016). Preliminary Experimental and Finite-Element Numerical Assessment of the Structural Performance of SMA-Reinforced GFRP Systems. American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 9(3), 692-701. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajeassp.2016.692.701

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Keywords

  • Shape-Memory Alloys (SMA)
  • Glass-Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)
  • Composite Systems
  • Smart-GFRP Design Concept
  • Active Control Systems
  • Experimental Tests
  • Finite-Element Numerical Modelling