Simulation of thermo-mechanical behavior of glass-epoxy composites containing shape memory alloy under static loading

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are a type of Shape Memory Materials (SMMs) which can recover large deformation and return to their primary shape by rising temperature. In this study, numerical simulation of thermo mechanical behavior of composites reinforced with shape memory alloys under static uniaxial loading was conducted. By inserting SMA wires inside the host composite the macro mechanical behavior of hybrid composite changed to a bilinear curve which is due to the phase transformation of SMA wires and nonlinear behavior of host composite. Simulated results are compared with available data in the literature. Validated model is used to evaluate the effect of various parameters as, wires pre-strain, temperature, interface conditions between SMA wires and Epoxy matrix on hybrid composite behavior. Also a theoretical method was developed to calculate the compressive and tensile strain induced in host composites and wires, after releasing of SMA wires. According to the results obtained, considering weak interface between SMAs wires and matrix improved simulation results rather than perfect bonding assumption. Pre-strained SMA wires would cause initial compressive stress in the host composite and its value will increased by increasing service temperature, however, it will increased interface separation of SMA and host materials, too. Therefore, in design of Shape memory alloys hybrid composites, optimum amount of applied pre-strain on SMA wires and working temperature should be selected.