International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research
Abstract
The paper presents a numerical assessment and characterization of Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) thermomechanical behavior using an internal variable approach-based constitutive law. A simulation study is conducted to reveal the influence of the key intrinsic properties such as shape memory effect, pseudoelastic effect, hysteresis loop, and non-constant material functions on the loading capacity and thermal actuation of SMAs. The effects of initial conditions, residual strains, and high temperatures on the behavior of SMAs are studied through several thermomechanical loading-unloading scenarios. The results give useful indications on the capability of SMA materials to fully recover large strains under thermal activation, to change their properties reversibly through phase transformation, and to serve as actuator systems for engineering control applications
