Properties Of Shape Memory Alloys Research Articles

Enhancing the thermal stability and recoverability of ZrCu-based shape memory alloys via interstitial doping

ZrCu-based shape memory alloys (SMAs) are regarded as emerging smart materials with high phase transformation temperatures. However, unfavorable thermal stability and poor strain recovery rate hinder commercial applications. Herein, these issues were addressed by doping interstitial B atoms, and the impacts of B content on microstructure, martensitic transformation behavior and properties of ZrCu-based SMAs were systematically investigated. It was shown that (Zr50Cu25Ni7.5Co17.5)99.98B0.02 SMAs possessed excellent thermal stability and shape memory effect. The change of martensitic transformation temperature for this alloy was 15.7 °C after several cycles. The shape recovery rate reached 92.5 % at 8 % compressive pre-strain, which was attributed to the de-twinning of (0 0 1) compound twins and the appearance of (1 1 1) type I twins. Furthermore, it was elucidated for the first time by first-principles calculations that B atoms were covalently bonded with Zr and Cu atoms occupying the octahedral interstitial positions in the B19′ and Cm phases. This study offers an available pathway to exploit efficient and advanced products.

Smart materials: The next generation in science and engineering

In recent years, fascinating developments in various areas of materials science have happened. Smart materials, also known as intelligent or stimuli-responsive materials, have attracted attention in science and engineering. Smart materials are divided into six different groups: shape memory materials, piezoelectric materials, magnetostrictive materials, electro-rheological and magneto-rheological fluids, and self-healing materials. Shape-memory and self-healing materials are the most popular and important kinds of smart materials. Shape-memory materials have the ability to react to certain stimuli, such as temperature, pH, light, magnetic fields, and electric fields, and transform from a temporary shape to their original shape after exposure to these stimuli. Shape-memory alloys and shape-memory polymers have attracted the most attention and are widely used among all kinds of shape-memory materials developed. The two most important properties of shape-memory alloys are shape memory and superelasticity. Shape-memory polymers are gaining popularity because of specific benefits such as their high shape recovery rate, light weight, low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, high shape deformability, and readily tailorable glass transition temperature. Self-healing materials have the ability to fully or partially repair their features and functionality after repeated damage. Self-healing materials are divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic, as well as autonomous and non-autonomous. These materials have the potential to increase their lifetime while reducing maintenance costs. Smart materials have a wide range of applications, including aerospace, automotive, biomedicine, and construction. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of smart materials.

Fully coupled electric-thermo-mechanical model for predicting the response of a SMA wire activated by electrical input

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are becoming increasingly used in actuator technologies thanks to the generation of high specific power and reliability. These features are obtained by extremely simple architecture and actuation mechanisms that exploit the thermal-induced shape recovery properties of SMAs. Thanks to the high specific power, small diameter wires can be directly used as linear actuators whose activation can be obtained by electric currents, exploiting the Joule effect. Despite the simplicity of the actuator, the complex constitutive behaviour of such material does not allow to easily model its mechanical behavior due to the interdependency of the alloy parameters, especially when electric-thermal phonemena are also involved. In this paper, a fully coupled electric-thermo-mechanical model is proposed to predict the thermal and mechanical response of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires when electrically actuated with the aim to provide user guidelines for properly design/select SMA based wire actuators for engineering applications. The model takes into account the latent heats linked to phase transformations, conduction and convective heat exchanges phenomena as well as the dependency of the resistivity from the thermo-mechanical parameter of the alloy. The implementation consists in two submodels: the electric-thermal and the thermo-mechanical one. Because of the marked dependence of the volume fraction of martensite with both temperature, generated by Joule effect, and mechanical stress, the submodels were coupled. Due to the complexity of the problem, a Matlab/Simulink code was implemented to numerically solve the governing equations. Temperature evolution, generated by the electric input, was investigated during both the heating and cooling stage and its effect on the mechanical response of the SMA actuator was studied. Results were validated with experimental measurements carried out on nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires. It was shown that the proposed model is suitable in predicting the temperature evolution of the wire, even catching phase transitions, as well as the actuation response for different loading conditions. Finally, the SMA actuators performances, in terms of input current to use, actuation time and efficiency, were investigated.

Diameter-Dependent Shape Memory Effect and Superelasticity in Ni-Mn-Ga Alloy Micro-fibers

Abstract: The functional properties of shape memory alloys (SMAs) may be affected by the material size and thus is important for designing micron-sized devices. Here the diameter-dependent size effect was demonstrated in Ni-Mn-Ga fibers with diameters of 15, 41, 53 and 70μm. The effect of fiber diameter on the shape memory effect (SME) and superelasticity (SE) was systematically studied. The results showed that all Ni-Mn-Ga fibers exhibited good stress assisted thermal cycles and SE, both diameter-dependent. For stress assisted thermal cycles, the temperature hysteresis of martensite transformation (MT) and sensitivity of MT temperature vs stress increased with increasing fiber diameter. While for SE, the stress hysteresis, temperature dependence of critical stress and energy dissipation capacity decreased with increasing fiber diameter. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the diameter-dependent effect may be attributed to the different heat exchange and frictional work dissipation capacities related to the specific surface areas that affected the thermal- or stress-induced MT processes. Such diameter dependence in Ni-Mn-Ga micro-fibers needs to be considered for the design and application in micro-sized devices.

A multiphysics dynamic model for shape memory alloy actuators

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are increasingly being used in actuator technologies owing to their high reliability, advantageous specific power and fast actuation capabilities. This results from the extremely simple architecture and actuation mechanisms, which are linked to the thermally-induced shape recovery properties of SMAs. Owing to the elevated power-to-weight ratio, small diameter wires can be directly used as linear actuators, whose activation can be achieved by electric currents, exploiting the Joule effect. Fast actuation represents a design requirement in several engineering fields, ranging from aerospace to automotive applications, and it can be easily obtained by a high electric current pulse owing to the extremely small thermal inertia of SMA wires. However, dynamic effects caused by fast actuations, in terms of overloads and stroke oscillations, could represent a threat to material integrity at both structural and functional levels. For these reasons the thermal-mechanical response of the SMA wires under both static and dynamic conditions must be taken into account in designing SMA-based actuators, especially when dealing with fast actuation applications. Unfortunately, SMAs exhibit a very complex constitutive response, with intricated electro-thermal-mechanical coupling mechanisms, whose modeling represents one of the main challenges within the technical and scientific communities. Within this context, an effective multiphysics simulation model was developed combing basic underlying equations for electric, thermal, and mechanical problems. The model was implemented in MatLab/SimuLink environment and solved numerically. Experiments were also carried out, by using an ad-hoc developed testing rig, to capture the dynamic response of SMA wires during fast actuation experiments. The accuracy of the model was validated by systematic comparisons with experimental results, that is under different applied mechanical stresses and electric actuation conditions.

Mechanical properties and constitutive models of shape memory alloy for structural engineering: A review

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are an innovative material with the unique features of superelasticity and energy dissipation capabilities under extreme loads. Due to their unique features, they have a great potential to be employed in structural engineering applications under different conditions. However, in order to effectively use SMAs in civil engineering structures and model their behaviors accurately in Finite Element (FE) packages, it is crucial for structural engineers to comprehend the mechanical properties and cyclic behavior of different SMA compositions under varying loading conditions. While previous studies have focused mainly on the cyclic behavior of SMAs under tensile loading, it is important to evaluate their fatigue behavior under cyclic tension-compression loading for seismic applications. This literature review aims to discuss the current gaps in the existing literature on the behavior of SMA rebars under low-cycle fatigue (LCF). The review provides a comprehensive overview of the primary characteristics of SMAs, summarizes the mechanical properties of SMAs presented in the literature and the parameters that affect them, and critically evaluates the effects of cyclic loading and LCF on SMAs. The review also provides a summary of the different constitutive models of SMAs and compares their advantages and limitations, which helps structural engineers to employ an appropriate constitutive model for predicting the accurate behavior of SMAs in FE software.

Bending of a plate from a functionally heterogeneous material in the presence of large deformations

Details and elements of structures, which are made of functionally heterogeneous materials and have the property of shape memory and behave pseudo-elastically, may be under the influence of complex loads in the process of manufacturing and operation. Uneven heating of bodies in combination with force factors can lead to large deformations of the material and complex deformation processes. The existing models of the behavior of such elements do not take into account the nonlinearity of geometric relationships and are unsuitable for use with large deformations.
 The article deals with the bending of a plate of finite dimensions from a functionally heterogeneous material in the presence of large plastic deformations. The simulation of plate behavior is based on a nonlinear phenomenological model that describes the properties of shape memory alloys and the thermos-pseudo-plastic behavior of the material at a point. A diagram of a pseudo-elastic material consisting of three curved sections is used.
 The first feature of the formulation of the problem of specifying the area of geometric nonlinearity is the formulation of the boundary conditions around the support. If for a linear problem they are set only along the support line, then to refine the geometrically nonlinear solution, the zero vertical displacements of the plate points and, accordingly, the speed of movement were set in the vicinity of the area of contact with the support. The second feature of the refinement is a significant reduction in the number of coordinate integration steps (up to 5%). At the same time, in order to fulfill the condition of stability, a proportional reduction of the integration step over time is necessary. For a reliable comparison of results, it is necessary to increase the number of time integration steps while decreasing the integration steps by coordinates. This problem was solved using a sequence of numerical experiments. The third feature consists in solving the additional problem of interpolation of the required values in the nodes of the new finer grid by the corresponding value in the nodes of the main grid. This problem is solved using a two-dimensional spline function.

Deformation mechanism of Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloys fabricated via laser powder bed fusion: Tension-compression asymmetry

Introducing the unique advantage of additive manufacturing technology into copper-based shape memory alloys (SMAs) to fabricate high-performance alloys has garnered great attention in recent years, but the intrinsic relationships between microstructure and mechanical properties need to be further clarified. In this paper, the microstructural evolution of ternary CuAlNi SMAs fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) under the tensile-compressive loading was investigated to determine the underlying mechanism of tension-compression asymmetry, that is, excellent compressive but poor tensile properties. Multiscale characterization of the different deformation stages revealed the numerous activated deformation mechanism on the 18R martensite matrix. A twin-related transformation dominated the main plastic deformation process due to lower stacking faults energy and high-density pre-existing planer defects in the CuAlNi SMAs. Deformation twinning nucleated at prior austenite boundaries and developed into parallel and network structures inside the parent grain of different sizes. In addition, the preferred orientation in different stages, the stress-induced γ phase transformation, and the interaction between dislocations and stacking faults are discussed. These results not only provide significant insights to understand the detwinning and deformation twinning process of SMAs but also establish the essential framework of microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-based SMAs fabricated by LPBF.

Explorations of knitted shape memory alloy actuation behavior under high loads via finite element analyses and experimental studies

The properties of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires have long been leveraged across a variety of industries. While the response of such SMA forms implemented as straight axial actuators is well understood, curved and complex configurations such as knits have received far less attention. Considering 2D configurations, it is well known that knits exhibit more in-plane compliance than weaves and meshes, the curved wires comprising the former being much more flexible than the straight wire segments in the latter. In addition, knitted structures are uniquely highly tailorable. Knitting techniques and patterns developed in the textile industry allow for variable materials and geometries in the same structure, allowing for a large range of tailored macro-structure responses. Existing efforts to model the behavior of knitted SMA structures are lacking; though finite element analysis (FEA) models have been presented for knit SMAs, these models either only consider superelastic SMA behavior, or, in those that account for actuation behavior, the applied load conditions studied are insufficient to fully leverage the thermally induced strain recoverability of SMAs. This work seeks to develop and validate a finite element model for the actuation of SMA knitted structures where individual SMA wire components are axially stressed to more than 100 MPa. A representative volume element is developed for a common knit pattern, and macro-structure responses are explored and compared with experiments. This research provides a foundation for better understanding fundamental capabilities and responses of knitted SMA structures, allowing for better design, functionality, and customizability of the applications into which they are incorporated, enabling development of unique soft actuators. A shape-set sample examined herein generated 13% extension (analogous to strain) and recovered more that 6% under a load associated with 100 MPa stress in a straight wire, and a sample knit off-the-spool generated over 20% extension and recovered 9% for the same load.

High-performance Cu-Al shape memory alloy in ternary combination with graphene fabricated by powder bed fusion process

The main characteristic feature of Cu-based high-temperature shape memory alloys (SMAs) such as Cu-Al-Ni alloys is their high transformation temperatures that enable their applications at high temperatures. The improvement of thermodynamic properties of SMAs with reinforcements is essential for more applications at high temperatures with fewer negative effects of exposure at high temperatures, such as alloy softening that can deteriorate the strength and shape memory effect (SME) simultaneously. To avoid the negative effects of micro-reinforcements such as stress localization, in this study, graphene (GN) was substituted with Ni, and a new alloy labeled Cu-Al-GN with 0.2 wt% graphene was formed. A graphene-reinforced alloy labeled Cu-Al-Ni-GN was also fabricated by a laser powder bed fusion process for comparison purposes. The results showed that the Cu-Al-GN alloy exhibited enhanced performance in terms of improved reinforcement distribution, finer grains, defect-free samples with the highest SME at subsequent cycles, and less time required to achieve a targeted SME during heating, despite the smaller SME in the initial recovery cycles. Thus, the results of this study confirm that the proposed Cu-Al-0.2GN alloy combination promises high performance for recovery cycles and is time and cost saving, rendering it a suitable candidate for rapid production.

New insights into the effects of solidification process on the thermodynamic parameters and mechanical properties of CuAlBeNbNi shape memory alloy

In this work, the influence of the processes of unidirectional solidification and squeeze casting in microstructure, thermodynamic parameters and mechanical properties of CuAlBeNbNi shape memory alloy (SMA) was investigated. The results show that the unidirectional solidification process causes an increase in phase transformation temperatures and ductility, improves fracture toughness and reduces stress-induced martensite, residual stress and dissipated energy after load-unload tensile test of the CuAlBeNbNi alloy. The squeeze casting process, on the other hand, causes an increase in the density of grain boundaries, increasing the stress-induced martensite and the elastic energy of the direct martensitic transformation, while decreasing the impact toughness, increasing the residual deformation, the residual stress and the dissipated energy after the tensile cycle tests. These results indicate that the processes of unidirectional solidification and squeeze casting offer an alternative method to modify the thermodynamic parameters, mechanical properties, and microstructural properties of the CuAlBeNbNi SMA while keeping the composition constant. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the impact of solidification processes on the properties of Cu-based SMAs, specifically investigating CuAlBeNbNi SMAs.

Design Recommendations for Columns Made of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete and NiTi SMA Bars

The use of new materials in construction endows structures with better mechanical characteristics. The combination of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and nickel and titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy (SMA) improves the behavior of building structures by increasing both their ductility and dissipation energy due to the low-damage and self-centering properties of NiTi SMA. Since UHPC and NiTi SMA are expensive materials and still scarce in distribution channels, this article tries to offer design recommendations to reduce the length of the column-beam connection in which these new materials should be introduced, leaving the rest of the column with conventional materials. To achieve this, a nonlinear static pushover analysis of columns using finite element software, SeismoStruct, was performed. This model was calibrated using experimental results. Next, a parametric analysis was carried out to propose the design recommendations. Results indicated that an adequate design for the column–beam connection, considering both economy and performance, should include a main zone with UHPC and SMA reinforcements, a transition zone with UHPC and steel reinforcements, and another zone with conventional reinforced concrete. The transition zone improved the hybrid column’s performance without excessively raising the cost. The main zone length, the transition zone length, and the strength of the concrete in the rest of the column must be determined to ensure that the critical section of the column was in the main zone to develop the maximum strength and ductility. The length of the main zone depended on the compressive strength of the conventional concrete, the relative axial load of the column, and the required ductility.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Potential Anticancer Properties of Cu-Based Shape Memory Alloys

Due to the unique functional properties of shape memory alloys (SMAs) and current scientific interest in Cu-containing biomaterials, a continuously cast Cu-Al-Ni alloy in the form of rods has been investigated as a potential candidate for biomedical application. Additionally, the fact that Cu- complexes have an antitumour effect served as a cornerstone to develop more efficient drugs based on trace element complexes. In line with that, our study aimed to analyse the basic properties of the Cu-Al-Ni alloy, along with its anticancer properties. The detailed chemical analysis of the Cu-Al-Ni alloy was performed using XRF and SEM/EDX analyses. Furthermore, a microstructural and structure investigation was carried out, combined with hardness measurements using the static Vickers method. Observations have shown that the Cu-Al-Ni microstructure is homogeneous, with the presence of typical martensitic laths. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of two phases, β' (monoclinic) and γ' (orthorhombic). The viability of osteosarcoma cells in contact with the Cu-Al-Ni alloy was evaluated using epifluorescence microscopy, while their morphology and attachment pattern were observed and analysed using a high-resolution SEM microscope. Biocompatibility testing showed that the Cu-Al-Ni alloy exerted a considerable antineoplastic effect.

Optimal design of SMA damper for vibration control of connected building under random seismic excitation

To alleviate the earthquake induced damages in closely spaced high-rise buildings, linear or non-linear dampers have been frequently employed. Out of different options, the frequently utilized non-linear damper is the yield damper. Yield damper shows good floor displacement control efficiency, but increases peak floor acceleration and leaves large residual deformation at the end of ground motion. Also, it shows degradation in the hysteresis loop; whereas to achieve a good acceleration and displacement control efficiency, it is imperative to have a stable hysteresis loop with negligible residual deformation. In this context, shape memory alloy (SMA) composed damper has been viewed as a potential solution to reduce floor displacement and acceleration, simultaneously. Also, it offers excellent recentering property and good seismic energy dissipation capacity. This research aims to use the above stated superior properties of SMA and investigate the seismic response control efficiency of optimally design SMA damper for connected buildings, and compare with the yield damper. Optimal stochastic responses of connected buildings are estimated under random earthquake, as modeled using the Kanai-Tajimi power spectra. To linearize the non-linear force–displacement behavior of SMA and yield damper, a statistical linearization approach is adopted. The RMS (root mean square) floor acceleration and RMS floor displacement ratios are determined as response outputs for the damper connected buildings. Studies results show that, optimally designed SMA damper is more effective in reducing acceleration of stiff building and displacement of the flexible building than the yield damper. Compared to the yield damper, SMA damper reduces the RMS acceleration ratios by 15 % for the flexible building and 35 % for the stiff building; and RMS displacement by 20 % for the flexible building and 0.5 % for the stiff building. Overall, SMA damper provide much better seismic response control efficiency for connected buildings than yield damper.

Heterogeneous Structure-Induced Excellent Functional Properties in Shape Memory Alloys: A Review

Heterogeneous Structure-Induced Excellent Functional Properties in Shape Memory Alloys: A Review

INNOVATIVE MOTORLESS SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM USING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY

This paper presents the design and fabrication of a prototype model of a novel solar tracker that exploits the unique properties of shape memory alloy for its actuator. As against the conventional solar trackers, the proposed tracker does not use a motor for changing the position of the PV cell. The shape memory alloy is in the form of a spring and is used for actuating. SMA spring moves the solar panel to track the Sun during day time and back to its original position at the end of the day. The proposed structure of the tracker not only increases the efficiency but also proves to be compact, light weight and robust.

Phase-field method based simulation of martensitic transformation in porous alloys

Porous materials, characterized by the presence of interconnected pores, exhibit the properties different from their bulk counterparts. One of properties of interest is that the pores can influence the martensitic transformation in shape memory alloys (SMAs), which directly affects the material's shape memory effect and mechanical properties. The martensitic transformation is accompanied by the formation of different martensitic variants, which determine the overall morphology, distribution, and self-accommodation effect of the transformed regions. Previous experimental studies have shown that the presence of pores, particularly at the metal-air interface, can significantly affect the martensitic variant structure, leading to its thinning. This thinning effect has been found to be able to improve the damping performance of the alloy. Experimental observations have indicated that no relief of martensitic variants was found around the metal-air interface, but non-transformed regions were observed. These observations suggest that the metal-air interface in porous materials is not a free surface and plays a crucial role in influencing the martensitic transformation. To further investigate the effect of martensitic variant self-accommodation on different constrained interfaces in porous materials, a three-dimensional phase-field model based on the time dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) function is proposed in this study. The phase-field model can give a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of martensitic variants and their interaction with the constrained interfaces. Remarkably, the simulation results accord well with the experimental findings, demonstrating the presence of fine martensitic variants near the metal-air interface. The simulations under different interface constraint conditions reveal that increasing the specific surface area of porous materials is an effective strategy to obtain a more refined martensitic variant structure. The system’s total energy is minimized by reducing the strain energy, which leads to the formation of a greater number of fine martensitic variants. This finding suggests that controlling the specific surface area of porous materials can be a promising approach to tailoring the mechanical properties of SMAs for specific applications. In conclusion, the presence of metal-air interface in porous material significantly influences the evolution of the martensitic transformation in SMA. Experimental observations show that the introduction of pore can modify the martensitic variant structure, resulting in improved damping performance. The proposed phase-field model successfully captures the behavior of martensitic variants near constrained interface. The simulation results emphasize the importance of specific surface area in obtaining fine martensitic variant structures. These findings contribute to a more in-depth understanding of the role of porous materials in shaping the properties of SMAs and provide a valuable insight into their design and application in various fields.

Seismic response of a RC structure with new self-centering metallic dampers under biaxial near-field ground motions: Shake table tests

A new metallic energy dissipation device (EDD) with self-centering capability is proposed, and its effectiveness in controlling the seismic response of buildings subjected to near-fault earthquakes is investigated experimentally in combination with an inherently very flexible structural system: the RC waffle-flat plate structure. The new EDD combines the high energy dissipation capacity of stainless steel with the super-elastic properties of shape memory alloys. EDDs are installed in a 2/5 scale portion of a prototype RC waffle-flat plate structure designed only for gravity loads and tested on a shake table. The specimen is subjected to two horizontal components of a ground motion scaled in amplitude to represent different levels of seismic hazard at the building site. The RC structure with EDDs performed basically elastic under frequent earthquakes, remained “operational” under the design-level earthquake, and performed within the limits of “operational” and “life safety” under maximum credible earthquakes. The new EDD substantially reduced the maximum residual inter-story drifts —up to 1/10 of those of a conventional metallic EDD without self-centering capability. The response was also compared with a counterpart conventional RC structure without EDDs. The importance of providing the metallic EDDs with self-centering capability is highlighted.

Improved functional fatigue resistance of single crystalline NiTi micropillars with uniformly oriented Ti3Ni4 precipitates

Superelasticity is one promising functional property of shape memory alloys. To utilize superelasticity in application, sufficient fatigue life (i.e., for functional fatigue) during the mechanical cyclic phase transformation is one of the most important issues to be solved. Here, we successfully manufactured the NiTi single crystalline micropillars which exhibit different crystalline orientations, with uniformly oriented Ti3Ni4 precipitates and few defects. The mechanical properties of these NiTi single crystalline micropillars were systematically investigated. The NiTi single crystalline micropillar with the [20 2_ 9]B2 (B2: parent phase) crystalline orientation showed quite stable superelasticity during the cyclic compression, which sustained more than 107 phase transformation cycles with only 8% decay (from 5.1% for the 1st cycle to 4.7% for the 107 cycle). Meanwhile, as the cyclic number increased, the stress-strain curves became more stable, and the critical stress for inducing martensitic transformation (from 574 MPa for the 1st cycle to 312 MPa for the 107 cycle) and the stress hysteresis (from 7.2 MJ/m3 for the 1st cycle to 3.0 MJ/m3 for the 107 cycle) during the loading-unloading processes both decreased. By analyzing the dislocation plasticity assisted by cyclic martensitic transformations, we show that specific martensite variants are selected biasedly by the interplay of external load and inhomogeneous stress field caused by uniformly oriented Ti3Ni4 precipitates, which lead to a number of slip systems effectively impeded by the precipitates. This study opens a new avenue to develop fatigue resistant shape memory alloy through tailoring the aligned precipitates and preferred crystal orientation.

Heating Techniques of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) - A Review

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) possess memory capability to revert its original shape when exposed to load or temperature changes. This unique thermomechanical property occurs during solid state phase transformations which corresponds to functional properties of SMA, shape memory effect (SME) and super elasticity (SE). The significant coupling behaviour of SMA can be utilized as actuator in aerospace, automotive, electrical and civil fields. However, in practical applications, the coupling behaviour of SMA are non-linear and hysteretic. The control mechanism of SMA coupling behaviour is complex. Therefore, in order to achieve good control of thermomechanical properties, a highly controllable and promising heating technique is required. Thus, this paper reviewed the existing heating techniques for the SMA intending to find a controllable heating technique for the SMA. Besides that, this review suggested the promising induction heating for SMA thermomechanical characterization which offer temperature controllability and faster heating capability. However, till date most of research works are purely empirical. The present paper is able to provide an insight on the experimental approaches toward induction heating of SMA. Thus, the main aim of this paper is to provide a better understanding on the heating mechanism of SMA to develop an optimized utilization of SMA as an actuator.