Analytical Model of Actuation of a Shape Memory Alloy Carbon Fibre Composite

In this study shape memory alloy carbon fibre composites (SMA-CFCs) were designed and built. An analytical model was derived to investigate the curvature, and the therefore the stress in NiTi wires, as a function of geometry. Simultaneously, the evolution of austenite transformation in NiTi wires was investigated using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). Model findings were overlayed on a Clausius-Clapeyron plot and other restrictions such as martensite plastic stress and composite operating temperature were also taken into account. These results were used to explore the maximum achievable curvatures in a SMA-CFC. The outcome provides important insight into manufacturing optimized shape memory composites.