Finite-element modeling of shape memory alloy components in smart structures, part I: Non-linear coupled field finite element procedure

In this paper, we introduce a finite element procedure for modeling of shape memory alloy components used in smart structures´ applications. The procedure addressed in this paper is based on sequential solution of two main finite-element procedures then combining them together after each iteration. The procedure is set up to be extensible to any geometrical shape and any SMA constitutive model. It is also proved capable of capturing different characteristics of the system as required such as structural and thermal non-linearity, variable SMA material properties and the ability to model coupled electrical, thermal and structural loading and boundary conditions. The procedure was applied to model an SMA wire and the results for the wire was compared with corresponding numerical and experimental results from literature for different loading cases and at different boundary conditions, the results showed very good agreement with both experimental and numerical results.