Multi-dimensional superelastic behavior of shape memory alloys via nonlinear finite element method

This paper presents a methodology for the simulation of multi-dimensional n onlinear thermomechanical behavior of shape memory alloys by the finite ele ment method. The numerical multi-dimensional constitutive model is formulat ed by thermomechanics incorporated with the "yield" (transformation start s tress in stress induced martensitic transformation) surface of shape memory alloys. In this formulation, the phase flow direction can be decided by us ing the "yield" stresses of a particular SMA in uni-axial tension and compr ession. The solution of the geometrically and physically nonlinear problem is achieved using Newton's iteration method. Numerical results for the unia xial model, three and four-point bending tests and smart composite embedded with shape memory alloys show that the proposed procedure is an effective computational tool for the simulation of a broad range of applications base d on shape memory materials. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.