Simulation and analysis of shape memory alloy fiber reinforced composite based on cohesive zone model

Shape memory alloy (SMA) composite has been wildly used in engineering fields as a smart structure. The interface between SMA fiber and matrix plays an important role in determining the effective response of the composites, since it is the medium through which stress transfer occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate how the variation of interfacial properties affects the overall behavior of the composites. In this paper, the interfacial shear strength and ultimate strength of composites are evaluated based on pull-out tests and uniaxial tensile tests, respectively. An algorithm for the automatic generation of unidirectional random distribution short-fiber reinforced composites is developed by using Monte-Carlo method and boundary condition control equation via ANSYS Parameter Design Language (APDL). Cohesive zone model (CZM) approach is used to characterize the interfacial traction separation relationships. Uniaxial tensile test is simulated using finite element method to study the overall macroscopic behavior of the composite through varying fiber ratios and ambient temperatures. The effects of interfacial debonding process, fiber ratios and ambient temperatures on the response of composites are discussed under the same fiber volume fraction. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.