Modeling and Characterization of Cyclic Shape Memory Behaviors of the Binary Ni49.9Ti50.1 Material System

Abstract

In this work, we address two of the main challenges encountered in constitutive modeling of the thermomechanical behaviors of actuation-based shape memory alloys. Firstly, the complexity of behavior under cyclic thermomechanical loading is properly handled, particularly with regard to assessing the long-term dimensional stability. Secondly, we consider the marked differences in behavior distinguishing virgin-versus-trained SMA material. To this end, we utilize a set of experimental data comprehensive in scope to cover all the anticipated operational conditions for one and same SMA alloy, having a specific chemical composition with fixed heat treatment. More specifically, this includes twenty-four different tests from the recent SMA experimental literature for the Ni49.9Ti50.1 material having austenite finish temperature above 100 °C. Under all the different conditions investigated, the model results were found to be in very good agreement with the experimental measurements.