Influence of heat generation on the phase transformations and impact responses of composite plates with embedded SMA wires

In the present research, in contrast to the available papers, not only the superelasticity but also the shape memory effects are taken into account in determination of the impact responses. At the same time, in addition to modifying Brinson’s model for the shape memory alloys (SMAs), to include new parameters and loading events, and Hertz contact law, distributions of the SMA phases are considered to be both localized and time-dependent. Furthermore, effects of the impact-induced heat generation and mechanical energy on the resulting histories of the martensite phase volume fraction, stress-strain, temperature, lateral deflection, and contact force are investigated. The generated heat in the SMA wires during the impact is determined through using a Helmholtz free energy function including the latent heat of the phase transformation. The resulting governing equations are solved by the finite element method. The nonlinear refined constitutive laws are solved through a return-mapping Newton-Raphson procedure. Results reveal that incorporation of the heat generation effects is significant in medium/high-velocity impacts or when the stress field is almost uniform.