Distribution of Deformation and Internal Stress in Shape Memory Alloy Composite

In this study, firstly, composites which consist of shape memory alloy (SMA) fiber and epoxy matrix are fabricated. Secondary, the distribution of unique performances in shape memory alloy composite (SMAC) such as creating of internal stress in matrix and deformation of composite are investigated by using photoelasticity and digital image correlation under thermo-loading process (heating-cooling process). Furthermore, temperature distribution on the surface of composite is investigated by using infrared radiation thermometry. The results are as follows; (1) Deformation of composite becomes large due to austenite transformation of fiber during heating. Local strain of composite has distribution along the longitudinal and transversal direction of specimen. Also, recovery of deformation appears during cooling. (2) Internal stress in matrix changes during heating. There exists distribution of internal stress along not only transversal direction but also longitudinal direction of specimen. Also, recovery of internal stress is observed during cooling. (3) The surface of composite has temperature distribution along the transversal direction of specimen. The surface temperature reaches at 45.0°C when temperature of fiber is 84.4°C.