Application of Shape Memory Alloys to a New Adaptive Hydraulic Mount 2002-01-2163

Widespread use of adaptive mounts depends on their cost, simplicity, and reliability. In this paper, a new adaptive hydraulic mount is introduced that its upper chamber compliance is changed using shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. Sensitivity analysis is used to show the effectiveness of changing the compliance on the dynamic stiffness of the mount. The finite element technique is applied to the main rubber of the hydraulic mount in which the SMA wires are embedded to calculate the maximum change in the compliance. It is shown that SMA wires can effectively modify the compliance of the upper chamber. It is also shown that a simple on-off control is sufficient for the adaptive mount.