Shape-memory alloys: Macromodelling and numerical simulations of the superelastic behavior (Q1376612)

The work focuses on a new family of inelastic models, based on an internal-variable formalism and known as generalized plasticity. Generalized plasticity is adopted herein as framework for the development of one- and three-dimensional constitutive models for shape-memory materials. The proposed constitutive models reproduce some of the basic features of shape-memory alloys, such as superelasticity, different material behavior in tension and compression, and the single-variant-martensite reorientation process. For isothermal conditions the implementation of the model in a finite element scheme and the form of the algorithmically consistent tangent are discussed in detail. Numerical simulations of typical tests performed on shape-memory materials (e.g. uniaxial loading, four-point bending and three-point bending tests) are presented and compared with available experimental data.