Application of Shape Memory Alloys in Bolted Flanged Connections

The Shape Memory Effect（SME） and super elasticity of the Shape Memory Alloys（SMA） can make up the clamping force decreasing caused by the creep and relaxation behavior in Bolted Flanged Connections（BFC）, and improve the reliability of the BFC.Advances in the research of SMA in BFC home and abroad is summarized in this paper. The application prospects of Ti-Ni-Pd, Ti-Ni-Hf, Fe-Mn-Si, Cu-Al-Ni and Ni-Al-Mn in the BFC are also discussed. It is considered that the compressive characteristics of the parent phase of SMA should be studied further for the application of SMA to BFC besides the design of sealing structure.When more basic research data is accumulated, BFC with high sealing performance for the critical engineering applications can be developed based on the comprehensive consideration of the stability and reliability of the clamping force.