An analysis of the thermomechanical behaviour of a shape memory alloy/elastomer composite

Abstract
This paper deals with an analytical and experimental study on the thermomechanical behaviour of an SMA/elastomer composite. The viscoelastic behaviour of the polymer is described using a simple rheological model (Kelvin type). According to the temperature, the SMA is either in austenitic or in martensitic phase, while the polymer is either in glassy or in rubbery state, thus a temperature-dependent adjustable stiffness composite can be developed. In this study, the martensitic transformation is assumed to present a sharp transition at T and, in the same way, a sharp glass transition at T is considered. Analytical results are compared to experimental load-displacement curves obtained for a composite consisting of a CuAlBe superelastic spring embedded in a silicone cylinder and submitted to compression loading. A strong structural interaction between both components is observed.