Hysteresis modeling of two-way shape memory effect in NiTi alloys (Q2426985)

The paper studies the two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) of a Ni-Ti alloy and also presents a numerical model to simulate its hysteretic strain-temperature response between austenit start and martensite finish temperatures. The TWSME is introduced by martensite deformations through the repetition of several thermomechanical cycles consisting in a mechanical loading, a complete unloading and the subsequent thermal cycle between the martensite and austenite temperatures. As a result, the hysteresis loops describing the TWSME are recorded. These loops then are used to develop the numerical model describing in a phenomenological way the hysteretic behavior of the material. The proposed model is based on a Preisach-like hysteresis model and uses the Prandtl-Ishlinskij operators. The basic idea consists in the modeling the hysteretic behavior by a weighted superposition of many elementary hysteresis operators having a simple mathematical structure and different threshold values. The approach models the hysteretic loop by a linear piecewise discretization, and the accuracy of the model can be improved by increasing the number of linear pieces representing the backlash operators. The authors also develop a Matlab function which calculates the model parameters from experimental results. Finally, a developed Simulink model allows to simulate the TWSME in real time. This model consists of a backlash block defined by the deadband width vector connected in series with a gain block that represents the weight vector, while the constant block allows one to move the backlash operators in the origin of the coordinate axis. A comparison of test and model results is presented.