Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Shape Memory Effect of Beams in Bending Conditions

In this study, the shape memory effect of SMA beams under complex stress conditions is studied by means of a finite element model. The 1D version of a well-established SMA constitutive model is utilized in the numerical computations and the required parameters are obtained experimentally starting from thermal cycling tests in tension under different constant loads. After being calibrated, the model is used to compute the deformation of beams loaded in bending and undergoing thermal cycling; three-point bending and cantilever configurations are considered in this stage. Finally, the response predicted by the model is compared to experimental results and model capabilities are discussed. In particular, insight of the stress and strain evolution in bending is provided.