Phase diagram kinetics for shape memory alloys: a robust finite element implementation

• Published in: Smart materials and structures 2007-12, Vol.16 (6), p.2102-2115
• Main Authors: Gao, Xiujie, Qiao, Rui, Catherine Brinson, L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...); Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); General equipment and techniques; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Measurement and testing methods; Physics; Servo and control equipment; robots; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics
• ISSN: 0964-1726; 1361-665X
• DOI: 10.1088/0964-1726/16/6/013

A physically based one-dimensional shape memory alloy (SMA) model is implemented into the finite element software ABAQUS via a user interface. Linearization of the SMA constitutive law together with complete transformation kinetics is performed and tabulated for implementation. Robust rules for transformation zones of the phase diagram are implemented and a new strategy for overlapping transformation zones is developed. The iteration algorithm, switching point updates and solution strategies are developed and are presented in detail. The code is validated via baseline simulations including the shape memory effect and pseudoelasticity and then further tested with complex loading paths. A hybrid composite with self-healing function is then simulated using the developed code. The example demonstrates the usefulness of the methods for the design and simulation of materials or structures actuated by SMA wires or ribbons.