Superelastic behavior and damping capacity of CuAlBe alloys

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) showing the superelastic effect, dissipate energy through hysteretic cycles up to large strain amplitudes, without remnant strains after unloading. This effect is associated with a reversible stress-induced martensitic transformation. In this paper, the behavior of copper-based SMAs is examined, with the perspective of potential applications in seismic-energy dissipative devices. In particular, two different compositions of CuAlBe are characterized using chemical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), light and scanning electron microscopy and X-rays diffraction. Mechanical and hysteretic damping properties are determined from cyclic tensile and tension-compression tests, for different strain amplitudes and frequencies. Both alloys show superelastic behavior, although hysteresis loops differ, due to differences in the composition and transformation phase temperatures. Equivalent damping up to 5% was obtained for the largest strain imposed. Frequency, in the range of interest for seismic applications, had a small influence on the damping values. It is concluded that alloy Cu-11.8 wt.% Al-0.5 wt.% Be best exhibited properties for the application intended