Thermomechanical Characterization of Shape Memory Alloy Materials

Abstract

Having introduced the fundamentals of shape memory alloy behavior, the characterization of SMA materials is discussed here. Such a discussion fos- ters a better understanding of the thermomechanical constitutive response of SMAs. Furthermore, proper determination of required material properties is necessary for the development of comprehensive and accurate SMA material models. Finally, it is perhaps the most important step in the practical imple- mentation of SMAs. Whatever methodology one uses to design a given SMA application, a quantitative evaluation of key material properties is required.