Modeling of effects of matrix on actuation characteristics of embedded shape memory alloy wires

1 INTRODUCTIONOne major application field of shape memoryalloys(SMAs) is the so-called smart structures .Numerous researches have been done on the actua-tion abilities of SMAs ,andthe results are quitein-spiring1 ,2]. However , the complicated behaviorsof SMAs are still not fully understood, which pre-vents SMAs frombeing further adopted in real in-dustrial structures . The difficulties in understand-ing the SMAs mainly come fromthe fact that thetransformation and thus the actuatio…

Modeling of effects of matrix on actuation characteristics of embedded shape memory alloy wires

Effects of matrix properties on the actuation characteristics of embedded shape memory alloy wires were studied. The coefficient of thermal expansion and the modulus of matrix have significant effect on the maximum recovery stress. The thermal strain rate of the SMA wires upon heating is more sensitive to the matrix properties than the stress rate does. Additional fibers embedded in the matrix have significant effect on the stress distribution between the SMA wires and the matrix, and thus affect the interface quality significantly. Fibers with negative thermal expansion coefficient are beneficial to the interface between shape memory alloy wires and the epoxy matrix. All conclusions based on the numerical modeling can find experimental supports.