Design and optimization of a new NiTi-based shape memory alloy structures for damping applications via additive manufacturing

Shape Memory Alloys (SMA), such as NiTi-based systems, are functional materials suitable for damping applications due to their pseudoelastic effect. This property allows to obtain simple, lightweight structures capable of absorbing energy through a mechanical hysteresis and able to recover significant deformations. For this reason, SMA are attractive candidates for the development of novel devices in many fields, such as the biomedical one or in aerospace and in automotive. Recently, the development of Additive Manufacturing (AM) of metals has considerably expanded the design and production possibilities of SMA-based devices, potentially overcoming the limited workability of these materials through conventional manufacturing techniques, which is one of the main limitations to their wider adoption. This study presents a preliminary investigation of a NiTi octahedral cell structure fabricated via Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) starting from a NiTi powder with Ni content of 50.8 at. %. C...