Find in Library

Finite element simulation is presented to study the rate effects of the shape memory response of bent NiTi wire “C-shaped” exposure to load. A three-dimensional constitutive model for shape memory alloys proposed by Auricchio is implemented in the built-in library of Ansys Workbench 18.2 to capture the shape memory behavior of three different NiTi alloys that are subjected to different thermomechanical treatments. The quasi-static (slow) loading rate and the dynamic (fast) loading rate have been applied isothermally or at adiabatic conditions. Other models assumed the classical shape memory stress-strain behavior, but the realistic behavior of the NiTi SMA is different. The NiTi SMA is influenced by its microstructural changes, such as internal defects, grain size, chemical compositions, content of dislocations and density; all these effects should be added when modeling, which has been considered in this study. The results showed a significant effect of the dynamic loading of NiTi on decreasing the recoverable strain. As a result, it could be expected that the actuator lifetime could be reduced when a rapid, as opposed to a slow, loading rate is adopted. Inhomogeneity of stresses and deformations after loading can cause irreversible plastic deformation. The complete deformation recovery is noticed in the reorientation scenario, unlike in the SIM scenario, which exhibits unrecoverable deformation. Experimental validation is done by comparing the macroscopic displacement of the bent NiTi actuator with the model results, which shows good agreement.