Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of smart materials which can undergo
transition between two different states (temporary shape and permanent
state) induced by external stimuli, such as temperature, light etc. In order
to study the deformation behavior of this fast-developing SMP structures,
the key points are formulating suitable theoretical constitutive models to
correctly reflect the material behavior and developing appropriate numerical
simulation techniques to handle complex structures. In this paper, we proposed
a three-dimensional (3D) thermomechanical constitutive model of SMPs
and its implementation as a user material subroutine, UMAT, in a finite
element package ABAQUS. The shape memory effects of the SMPs under three
different loading patterns are simulated by the proposed approach and the
acquired numerical results are compared with theoretical computational results
and available experimental data. They agree reasonably well. Two SMP
structural examples are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed
approach. The exercises involve the analyses of (i) an intelligent hexachiral
deployable structure and (ii) a 3D self-folding structure achieved through a 2D
plate.
Keywords
shape memory polymer, constitutive model, finite element
method
International Center for Applied
Mechanics
State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical
Structures
Xi’an Jiaotong University
Xi’an, 710049
China
Institute of Chemical
Materials
CAEP
Mianyang 621999
China
International Center for Applied
Mechanics
State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical
Structures
Xi’an Jiaotong University
Xi’an, 710049
China
International Center for Applied
Mechanics
State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical
Structures
Xi’an Jiaotong University
Xi’an, 710049
China