Thermoviscoelastic analysis for a polymeric composite plate with embedded shape memory alloy wires

The deflection of the polymeric-matrix composite plate with embedded shape memory alloy (SMA) wires and subjected to uniform lateral pressure is studied using the finite element method. The behavior of the polymeric composite plate under electrical heating of SMA is analyzed with thermoviscoelastic theory. The actuation of SMA is modeled by Brinson’s one-dimensional constitutive equation. The influences of the boundary conditions, the ply orientations and the pre-strains of SMA wires on the deflection of composite plate are discussed. It is found that the effect of thermoviscoelasticity of the polymeric matrix on the actuation of SMA is significant.