A review of shape memory alloy research, applications and opportunities

Shape-memory polymers and their composites: Stimulus methods and applications

Mathematical models of elastic structures have become very sophisticated: given the crucial material properties (mass density and the several elastic moduli), computer-based techniques can be used to construct exotic finite element models. By contrast, the modeling of damping is usually very primitive, often consisting of no more than mere guesses at “modal damping factors.” The aim of this paper is to raise the modeling of viscoelastic structures to a level consistent with the modeling of elastic structures. Appropriate material properties are identified which permit the standard finite element formulations used for undamped structures to be extended to viscoelastic structures. Through the use of “dissipation” coordinates, the canonical “M , K ” form of the undamped motion equations is expanded to encompass viscoelastic damping. With this formulation finite element analysis can be used to model viscoelastic damping accurately.

Dynamics of viscoelastic structures: a time-domain finite element formulation

http://ematweb.cmi.ua.ac.be/emat/pdf/1666.pdf

Transmission electron microscopy investigation of dislocation slip during superelastic cycling of Ni-Ti wires

The present review aims at gathering the available literature on damping in composite materials. A chronological review of test methods for damping estimation is presented in order to describe the time-line of the theoretical knowledge development in this field. In the last years many new material configurations have emerged that deserve investigation, such as nano-composites, hybrid laminates and sandwich materials. Damping models specifically meant for non-homogeneous materials are reported to provide a background for understanding this problem. Although not widely exploited yet, fibre reinforced polymers has the potential to be tailored for damping by acting on constituents, geometry and boundary conditions. Nano-composites, for instance, are shown to possess a high potential for damping purposes. New hybrid and sandwich-type structures are emerging as noise and vibration control solutions in lightweight applications. The effort devoted to mathematical and numerical model in view of Finite Element integration of damping properties is also addressed. Finally, the conclusions summarise the ideas of the authors on needed steps to advance the state-of-the-art in each of the described topic.

Damping in composite materials: Properties and models

Shape memory alloys (SMA) have been known for over five decades and modeling of their response has attracted much attention over the last two decades. Recent increase in the range of applications of these materials has lead to an increased focus on modeling their thermomechanical response. Various approaches ranging from macroscopic phenomenology to microscopic lattice based methods are being pursued to model SMA behavior. Models ranging from simple tools as design aids to complex thermodynamic based models to understand the characteristic martensitic transformation responsible for the shape memory and superelastic response exist. In this report, following a brief introduction to the SMA behavior and the underlying martensitic transformation, an overview of models for SMAs is provided. This is aimed at providing an understanding of the state of the art and also to identify possible future directions. In this review, models are classified both on the basis of the approach and the level (scale) of continuum they address. General methodology of each type of approach is presented briefly followed by a review of the models that fall under that category. Certain liberties are taken in classifying these models to facilitate understanding and thus the present classification is by no means either unique or completely rigorous. Also, while an attempt is made to cover most of the approaches, review of all the models that exist in literature is practically impossible. Finally, summarizing the literature on models for SMAs, several interesting and relevant problems are identified for possible future developments.

/pdf/models-for-shape-memory-alloy-behavior-an-overview-of-32n7tv8ttj.pdf

Models for Shape Memory Alloy Behavior: An overview of modeling approaches

A reconfigurable tool and/or die geometry and methods of use generally comprise forming at least a portion of a shape defining surface with a shape memory material. In response to an activation signal, the shape memory material changes geometry of the shape defining surface to provide a means for forming parts with different geometries from the same tool and/or die. In an alternative embodiment, an insert for a tool and/or die can be used, wherein the insert has at least a portion of its shape defining surface formed of a shape memory material. Also disclosed are processes for forming a first part with a defined geometry and a second part with a defined geometry different from the first part defined geometry using a reconfigurable tool and/or die as well as a reconfigurable insert with a standard tool and/or die.

Reconfigurable tools and/or dies, reconfigurable inserts for tools and/or dies, and methods of use

Advances in damping materials and technology

An experimental investigation into the ambient temperature, load-controlled tension–tension fatigue behavior of a martensitic Nitinol shape memory alloy (SMA) was conducted. Fatigue life for several stress levels spanning the critical stress for detwinning was determined and compared with that obtained on an alloy similar in composition but in the austenitic state at room temperature. Results show that the fatigue life of the pseudo-plastic alloy is superior to superelastic shape memory alloy. The stress–strain hysteretic response, monitored throughout the fatigue loading, reveals progressive strain accumulation with the cyclic loading. In addition, the area of hysteresis and recoverable and frictional energies were found to decrease with increasing number of fatigue cycles. Post-mortem characterization of the fatigued specimens through calorimetry and fractography was conducted in order to get further insight into the fatigue micromechanisms. These results are discussed in terms of reversible and irreversible microstructural changes that take place during cyclic loading. Aspects associated with self-heating of martensitic alloy undergoing high frequency stress cycling are discussed.

Effect of mechanical cycling on the stress–strain response of a martensitic Nitinol shape memory alloy

Tunable structural member for a vehicle generally comprises an active material adapted to selectively undergo a change in at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The change in the at least one attribute results in a change in the mechanical properties of the tunable structural member. Active materials generally include shape memory alloys, shape memory polymers, magnetorheological fluids and elastomers, piezoelectrics, electroactive polymers, and the like.

Vidyashankar R. Buravalla

Papers

Models for Shape Memory Alloy Behavior: An overview of modeling approaches

Reconfigurable tools and/or dies, reconfigurable inserts for tools and/or dies, and methods of use

Advances in damping materials and technology

Effect of mechanical cycling on the stress–strain response of a martensitic Nitinol shape memory alloy

Tunable vehicle structural members and methods for selectively changing the mechanical properties thereto