Non linear thermo-mechanical numerical model for space deployable structures actuated with smart materials

In this paper, a novel nonlinear finite element model is presented within the framework of the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) to analyse the behaviour of deployable multilayered structures actuated by smart materials like shape memory alloys (SMA) and piezoelectrics. The study focuses on the application in the aerospace industry, specifically in the development of lightweight and flexible structures for space deployable systems. The use of smart materials such as SMAs enables the structure to undergo large deformations while maintaining a high level of structural integrity and allowing for reversible shape changes under thermal and electrical stimuli. The Carrera Unified Formulation provides a powerful numerical framework for modeling the nonlinear behavior of beam structures. CUF allows for the definition of various finite element models based on structural theories by differentiating the order of expansion in the beam cross section and along the axis direction, thereby unifying different modeling approaches under a single framework. This versatility is crucial when dealing with complex material behaviour such as the phase transformations in SMA and complex geometries and characteristics of the structures considered. The model provides a detailed description of the implemented system, taking into account and large deformations. It particularly focuses on the nonlinear CUF model and the non-conventional 1D CUF elements. The first is crucial for modeling the large deformations experienced by the SMA actuator, while the latter is also useful in developing a highly accurate model of the actuator’s complex geometry without increasing the computational cost of the simulation. A thermal model, which will be integrated with the mechanical model, is currently under development. This integration aims to predict the complete physics of thermally activated shape memory actuators.