Developing a beam formulation for semi-crystalline two-way shape memory polymers

In this research, the bending of a two-way shape memory polymer beam is examined implementing a one-dimensional phenomenological macroscopic constitutive model into Euler–Bernoulli and von-Karman beam theories. Since bending loading is a fundamental problem in engineering applications, a combination of bending problem and two-way shape memory effect capable of switching between two temporary shapes can be used in different applications, for example, thermally activated sensors and actuators. Shape memory polymers as a branch of soft materials can undergo large deformation. Hence, Euler–Bernoulli beam theory does not apply to the bending of a shape memory polymer beam where moderate rotations may occur. To overcome this limitation, von-Karman beam theory accounting for the mid-plane stretching as well as moderate rotations can be employed. To investigate the difference between the two beam theories, the deflection and rotating angles of a shape memory polymer cantilever beam are analyzed under small and moderate deflections and rotations. A semi-analytical approach is used to inspect Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, while finite-element method is employed to study von-Karman beam theory. In the following, a smart structure is analyzed using a prepared user-defined subroutine, VUMAT, in finite-element package, ABAQUS/EXPLICIT. Utilizing generated user-defined subroutine, smart structures composed of shape memory polymer material can be analyzed under complex loading circumstances through the two-way shape memory effect.