Influence of temperature on the passive control of a rotating machine using wires of shape memory alloy in the suspension

摘要

This paper deals with the passive control of mechanical vibrations of rotating machines using wires of shape memory alloys (SMA). Unlike other classes of smart materials, the proposed technique allows for simpler mechanical construction and offers new technological possibilities. Both numerical simulations and experimental tests have been performed in the present investigation. The numerical results reveal that the SMA wires can reduce the amplitude of lateral vibrations of a rotating shaft to acceptable levels, as shown by time responses and orbit curves. Experimentally, it has been demonstrated that SMA wires confirm the simulation results regarding the reduction of the lateral vibration of a rotor system. It has also been verified that the temperature of the SMA wire can be employed to tune the vibration control system. In this context, passive control architecture is recommended in order to take advantage from an intrinsic characteristic of SMA wires.