Design and Evaluate Fire Sprinkler Mechanism Employing Shape Memory Alloy Technology Through Simulation

References

[1] National Fire Sprinkler Association, “Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems,” 2019.

[2] J. Hu, “Investigation on the cyclic response of superelastic shape memory alloy slit damper devices,” Materials, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 1122–1141, 2014.

[3] V. M. Dornelas et al., “Numerical investigations of shape memory alloy fatigue,” Metals, vol. 11, no. 10, p. 1558, 2021.

[4] X. Gao et al., “Finite element analysis of adaptive-stiffening and shape-control SMA hybrid composites,” Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology, vol. 128, no. 3, pp. 285–293, 2006.

[5] H. Llewellyn-Evans et al., “Design process and simulation testing of a shape memory alloy actuated robotic microgripper,” Microsystem Technologies, vol. 26, pp. 885–900, 2019.

[6] G. K. Tshikwand et al., “Coupled finite element simulation of shape memory bending microactuator,” Shape Memory and Superelasticity, vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 373–393, 2022.

[7] L. Xu et al., “Finite strain constitutive modeling for shape memory alloys,” arXiv preprint, 2020.

[8] V. Ziavras, “Sprinkler system basics: Types of sprinkler systems,” NFPA, 2021.

[9] W. Huang, “On the selection of shape memory alloys for actuators,” Materials & Design, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 11–19, 2002.

[10] C. Lin et al., “Experimental study on temperature effects on NiTi shape memory alloys,” Materials, vol. 13, no. 3, p. 573, 2020.

[11] C. Ying et al., “Mechanical behavior in NiTiNb shape memory alloys,” Intermetallics, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 217–220.

[12] V. Pushin et al., “Mechanical behavior and structural characterization of a Cu–Al–Ni shape-memory alloy,” Materials, vol. 15, p. 3713, 2022.

[13] E. Tachibana et al., “Finite element analysis for shape memory alloy,” 1986.

[14] D. C. Lagoudas, Shape Memory Alloys: Modeling and Engineering Applications. New York, USA: Springer, 2008.

[15] ANSYS Inc., ANSYS Mechanical APDL Theory Reference, Release 2024 R1, Canonsburg, PA, USA, 2024.

[16] .V. M. Faires and J. E. Shames, Design of Machine Elements, 4th ed. New York, USA: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1970, pp. 183–188.

[17] Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), “Daily Temperature Monitoring Report,” 2026.

[18] PAGASA heat index report, “Metro Manila and several areas recorded danger-level heat indices ranging from 42°C to 46°C,” 2025

[19] National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022 ed., Quincy, MA, USA, 2022.

@article{1718753,
      author = {Batao, John Lloyd, Macalintal, Danica Jane, Ocampo, Mheeka Joyce},
      title = {Design and Evaluate Fire Sprinkler Mechanism Employing Shape Memory Alloy Technology Through Simulation},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {12},
      pages = {791-800},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1718753.pdf},
      abstract = {A fire sprinkler system has to detect fire and actuate the sprinklers to discharge water automatically to put out the fire as soon as possible. Currently, when a fusible bulb fire sprinkler is exposed to fire, it opens and discharges water automatically but it is not able to stop the discharge of water when the fire is putout. This study presents the design and evaluation of a reusable fire sprinkler mechanism employing Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology through Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Unlike conventional sprinkler systems that use single-use glass bulbs or fusible links, the proposed mechanism utilizes SMA materials capable of automatic activation and reset through reversible phase transformation. Three SMA materials NiTi (Nitinol), NiTiNb, and Cu–Al–Ni were evaluated in terms of activation response time, actuation temperature behavior, generated force, stress distribution, deformation, and life-cycle performance under simulated fire conditions using ANSYS. Results showed that the SMA-based mechanism can automatically actuate during elevated temperatures and return to its original state after cooling, enabling reusable operation and reducing water wastage. Among the materials, NiTi exhibited faster response, NiTiNb demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, and Cu–Al–Ni showed suitability for high-temperature applications. The findings indicate that SMA-integrated sprinkler systems have strong potential for improving fire protection efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.},
      keywords = {Cu–Al–Ni Alloy, Fire Sprinkler Mechanism, NiTi (Nitinol), NiTiNb Alloy, Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)},
      month = {June},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718753}
  }