The Buckling Behavior of a Symmetric Plate with a Functionally Graded Composition, Incorporating Shape Memory Alloy Wires Subjected to Heat Treatment

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) constitute a distinct class of alloys with remarkable properties when compared to conventional materials. They exhibit two specific non-linear stress-strain responses: the Shape Memory Effect and Pseudoelasticity (Superelasticity). This study begins by experimentally exploring the influence of heat treatment time and temperature on SMA fibers using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and tensile testing. Furthermore, we investigate the buckling behavior of two different specimens: a functionally graded material and a graphite-epoxy composite, both reinforced with shape memory alloy wires. The solution to the buckling equation is based on the same strain in the matrix and wires using the first shear deformation theory. The results demonstrate that the stability of the SMA-reinforced plate can be effectively controlled by adjusting the volume fraction of SMA wires, pre-strain, and the duration and temperature of heat treatment.