Finite-element modeling of shape memory alloy components in smart structures, part II: Application on shape-memory-alloy-embedded smart composite for self-damage control

For pt.I, see ibid., no.3, p.015-021 (2003). The finite element procedure proposed in part I was successfully used to model a smart-self-damage control system consisted of SMA wires embedded in a polymeric matrix. A parametric study was performed to investigate the effect of various parameters on the performance of the system. It was found that increasing current density speeds up the recovery process although it adds more heat to the system. Also, it was found that increasing wire diameters although speeds up the recovery process as well, it might cause harmful effects to the system by increasing the difference in CTE forces effect. Increasing number of activated wires was found to be beneficial as it reduces the amount of phase transformation and forces required per wire, and increases system sensitivity to small cracks. It is suggested that convection coefficient not to be too low or to high, and the initial temperature of the system to be as close to the Austenite start temperature as possible. It was also found that SMA wires prestraining have negligible effects if its not too low.