To predict the behavior of shape memory alloys under proportional load

In this paper, a simple method is proposed to predict the mechanical behavior of shape memory alloys (SMAs) in stress induced phase transformation (proportional load, constant temperature). This method is based on the transformation strain in the phase transformation and an assumption that the driving energy for the phase transformation is a constant. Given conditions that the temperature is kept constant, the applied load is proportional and the hardening behavior is similar, if the behavior of a SMA under a given applied stress state, for instance, uni-axial tension, is known (from either experiment or analysis), one may easily predict the response of other stress states. A few case studies including single crystalline and textured/non-textured polycrystalline SMAs demonstrate the capability of this method.