Shape memory alloys: effective 3D modeling, computational aspects, analysis of actuator and biomedical devices

The employment of shape memory alloys (SMA) in a large number of engineering applications, among which actuators and biomedical devices, has been the motivation for an increasing interest toward a correct and exhaustive modeling of SMA macroscopic behavior in order to construct reliable simulation tools. In this work we use a three-dimensional model, with a good overall description of pseudo-elastic and shape memory behaviors as well as extremely robust solution algorithm, to perform the analysis of SMA micro-actuators and biomedical stent devices. Application of the developed computational tool in simulation of several SMA devices motivates it as an effective tool that can be successfully used in the design, analysis and optimization procedures of SMA devices.