Quasi-static axial buckling behavior of NiTi thin-walled cylindrical shells

The quasi-static axial buckling response of super-elastic NiTi thin-walled cylindrical shells has been investigated. The results show that the main buckling pattern is the non-axisymmetric mode with various circumferential patterns depending on the geometry of a specimen. The specific energy is strongly related to the geometry and the buckling mode of a specimen. The austenite–martenite phase transition is concentrated in the buckling area to form so-called phase transition hinges. The buckling behavior of a specimen is significantly related to the phase transition and phase transition hinges. After unloading a NiTi specimen can recover to its initial shape, which differs from an elastic–plastic specimen.

► The deformation of NiTi specimens is recoverable due to reversible martensitic transition. ► Non-axisymmetric buckling is the main buckling mode for diameter/thickness ratio 26:70. ► The buckling mode of NiTi specimen depends not only on D/t but also on L/D. ► The specific energy Se is strongly related to the geometry and the buckling mode of the specimen. ► The behavior of “phase transformation hinge” was disclosed, which differs from a plastic hinge.