Modeling the Dynamic Deformation of Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Composites under External Influences

Morphing shape memory alloy hybrid composites (SMAHC) offer a great potential for various engineering applications due to their lightweight properties and their ability to undergo significant deformations. They fundamentally consist of two primary components: a stiff substrate and a shape memory alloy (SMA) layer, enabling external two-way shape memory capability. During actuation the metallic SMA undergoes a contraction of several percent when subjected to electric current. As the SMA contracts, the substrate retains its original length, causing a bending movement in the composite. A third component to be mentioned is the interlayer, positioned between the rigid substrate and the SMA layer, opens up a greater design flexibility. By adjusting the distance between these two components fine-tuning of the relationship between deflection and bending moment in response to an external load can be achieved. (compare Fig. 1).