Design-oriented modelling of composite actuators with embedded shape memory alloy

Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators have generated a great deal of interest in recent years due to their reusability and ability to exhibit a wide spectrum of actuation properties. In this work we present an analytical approach through which one may predict the actuation stroke as well as recovery potential of a two-component SMA-based composite actuator. The predictions of the analytical model were validated using Finite Element (FE) simulations on a composite SMA actuator designed in the form of an SMA strip embedded within an elastic matrix, where the shape memory effect of the SMA component was modelled using the numerical Souza-Auricchio model. The results obtained from the two approaches show extremely good agreement. The trends found upon altering various geometric and material parameters within the system provide a thorough understanding of how one can vary these parameters in order to obtain a tailored actuation and recovery response from the SMA-based actuator.