Dynamic stability of a shape memory alloy wire reinforced composite beam

The dynamic stability problem of a shape memory alloy reinforced composite beam subjected to an axial periodic dynamic force was studied. The shape memory alloy (NITINOL) fibers were embedded along the neutral axis of a fiber glass composite beam. A large tensile recovery force develops in the fibers due to the phase transformation and the mechanical constraints. The numerical parametric studies of the natural frequencies and static buckling loads of the composite beam with activated SMA fibers were investigated. The finite element method and the harmonic balance method were used to calculate the instability region of the composite beam. The SMA fibers were found to have a significant effect on the dynamic stability regions. Keywords