A study on the deflection of shape memory alloy (SMA) reinforced thermo-viscoelastic beam

The deflection of an epoxy beam with embedded shape memory alloy (SMA) wires subjected to lateral load and transient ambient temperature is predicted. The SMA wires, which are located at the neutral surface of the beam, are embedded inside the sleeves and fixed externally at two ends. Brinson's one-dimensional constitutive relation is used for the analysis of SMA wires. The stiffening effect of SMA wires on the beam is modeled by an elastic foundation. The epoxy beam is assumed to obey the principle of thermo-rheological simple material. A recursive formula is used to account for thermo-viscoelastic behavior of the epoxy beam. The deflection of beams with simply supported and clamped boundary conditions are analyzed and the results for simply supported beam compare well with our previous test data.