Numerical modeling of shape memory alloy linear actuator

Significance Statement

Numerous analytical and numerical models have been developed for Shape memory alloy (SMA) linear actuators to predict their thermomechanical response. Prediction of activation and deactivation durations of Shape memory alloy actuators are very crucial for their applications long life and optimum performance, i.e. actuation stroke and speed. The thermomechanical response of shape memory alloy is affected by various factors, and therefore, may require complex mathematical calculations and an access to high-performance computers. For a simple geometry shape memory alloy such as linear actuators or wires, one-dimensional (1D) models are sufficient to predict the thermomechanical response. However, most of the existing 1D-models require various experimental parameters and limited for solving single phase problems only, without the transition phase. Therefore, additional model or equations are required. The developed 1-D analytical and finite difference equation (FDE) models are proficient to solve the heat transfer problem of Shape memory alloy linear actuators; for both single (martensite or austenite) and transition (martensite-austenite) phases with a single model and common parameters. Integration of developed heat transfer models with existing constitutive model has further enhanced its capability to produce temperature-stress-strain relationship results. In addition, relevant predictive charts and alternative latent heat models have been proposed for practical heat transfer solutions.

 

Journal Reference

Computational Mechanics, September 2015, Volume 56, Issue 3, pp 443-461.

Jaronie Mohd Jani 1,2, Sunan Huang1, Martin Leary1, Aleksandar Subic3

[expand title=”Show Affiliations”]
  1. Centre for Advanced Manufacture, School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, 3083, Australia
  2. Institute of Product Design and Manufacturing, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  3. Swinburne Research, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
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Abstract

The demand for shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators in high-technology applications is increasing; however, there exist technical challenges to the commercial application of shape memory alloy actuator technologies, especially associated with actuation duration. Excessive activation duration results in actuator damage due to overheating while excessive deactivation duration is not practical for high-frequency applications. Analytical and finite difference equation models were developed in this work to predict the activation and deactivation durations and associated shape memory alloy thermomechanical behavior under variable environmental and design conditions. Relevant factors, including latent heat effect, induced stress and material property variability are accommodated. An existing constitutive model was integrated into the proposed models to generate custom shape memory alloy stress–strain curves. Strong agreement was achieved between the proposed numerical models and experimental results; confirming their applicability for predicting the behavior of Shape memory alloy actuators with variable thermomechanical conditions

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About the author

Jaronie Mohd Jani is a lecturer at Institute of Product Design and Manufacturing, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is currently doing research at the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, RMIT University, Australia with Associate Professor Martin Leary and Professor Aleksandar Subic in the field of shape memory alloy applications. The authors have published several research papers in this field and one of their recent research paper, ‘A review of shape memory alloy research, applications and opportunities’, has been awarded as the top-cited article in Materials and Design, and top 25 hottest article in ScienceDirect-Engineering in 2014.

Numerical modeling of shape memory alloy linear actuator. Advances In Engineering

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