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.