Finite-element modelling of shape memory alloys—A comparison between small-strain and large-strain formulations

In this contribution, we present a finite deformation material model for shape memory alloys (SMAs) which includes the effect of pseudoelasticity and pseudoplasticity. A special algorithm has been developed to incorporate the concept into a finite-element (FE) code. The final aim of the research work is to investigate whether FE simulations of SMA applications should be based on large-strain formulations as the transformation strain during the phase transition can reach up to 10%. If such a large-strain model was not necessary the computational cost of the numerical investigations could be reduced significantly.