Modeling the Mechanics of Triple Shape Memory Polymers
Swapnil Moon (New Jersey Institute of Technology), I.J. Rao ()
Mechanics of Phase Transforming and Multifunctional Materials
Tue 4:20 - 5:40
CIT 219
Smart materials have the ability to sense their environment and to change their functions according to a predefined purpose. One of the subclass of such smart materials is Shape memory polymers (SMPs). SMPs are able to alter their shape in response to a wide range of external stimuli. Conventional SMPs can undergo large deformation to a temporary shape and recover the original shape under the influence of an external stimulus. Recently triple shape memory polymers (TSMPs) have been reported that have the ability to fix two temporary shapes and revert back to the original shape on application of an external stimulus such as heat. Our research focuses on modeling the mechanical behavior of these TSMPs. The framework used in developing the model is based on the theory of multiple natural configurations. In order to model the mechanics associated with these polymers different stages of the shape creation and recovery cycle and different phases of the material during this cycle need to be characterized. This includes developing a model for the amorphous phase and the subsequent semi-crystalline phases with different stress free states and melting of these phases. The model has been used to simulate results for typical boundary value problems.