Calculation of Pseudoelastic Elements Using a Non-Symmetrical Thermomechanical Transformation Criterion and Associated Rule

Abstract

There are relatively few applications in the market that utilize SMA considering the large number of patents filed. This can be partly explained by the lack of design tools able to correctly predict SMA behavior. Due to the highly non-linear behavior of SMA, classical methods of design are inefficient. Furthermore, SMA behavior is strongly temperature dependent and exhibits hysteresis. The aim of this study is to give a method of measurement adapted to SMA. The definition of a constitutive equation describing the superelastic behavior and its application to structure calculation based on the classical beam theory assumptions is presented. Numerical results obtained in this way are compared with experimental measurements performed on Cu-based alloys.