Thermo-Mechanical Analysis of Shape Memory Polymer Composite

Abstract

The goal of this study is to develop a theoretical and numerical framework to study the deformation response of shape memory polymer (SMP) composite structures. SMP materials have the ability to undergo deformation into a compact volume, which can later be recovered to transform back into its original shape. This physical phenomenon can be achieved by the application of an external stimulus in the form of mechanism driving forces induced through hygro/thermo-mechanical cycle, electromagnetism, chemical reactions, and photo-activity. This ability to undergo shape change and recovery enables it to be considered as a candidate material for morphing and self-deployable applications in aerospace structures. However, it does not possess high strength and stiffness expected from materials used in aerospace structures. This drawback can be overcome by reinforcing it by fibers. The focus in the available literature has been mostly on the development of an appropriate constitutive form to capture the deformation response of SMP materials subjected to different stimuli. Developing a modeling framework, which can aid in the design of SMP-based structures, has not received much attention. This work focuses on addressing these outstanding issues. In particular, the focus was on the development of an analytical and numerical framework to analyze the behavior of SMP sandwich structures to assess their feasibility as potential self-deployable and morphing structures. When compared to a shape memory alloy, the findings reveal that SMP composites can provide the necessary stiffness for structural applications without significantly compromising on the recovery rate.