Modeling the behavior of bilayer shape memory alloy/functionally graded material beams considering asymmetric shape memory alloy response

A new model is proposed to describe the response of laminated composite beams consisting of one shape memory alloy layer and one functionally graded material layer. The model accounts for asymmetry in tension and compression of the shape memory alloy behavior and successfully describes the dependence of the position of the neutral surface on phase transformation within the shape memory alloy and on the load direction. Moreover, the model is capable of describing the response of the composite beam to both loading and unloading cases. In particular, the derivation of the equations governing the behavior of the beam during unloading is presented for the first time. The effect of the functionally graded material gradient index and of temperature on the neutral axis deviation and on the overall behavior of the beam is also discussed. The results obtained using the model are shown to fit three-dimensional finite element simulations of the same beam.