Implementation of the Müller-Achenbach-Seelecke Model for Shape Memory Alloys in ABAQUS

Temperature changes caused by latent phase transformation heats are an integral part of the behavior of shape memory alloys. The ensuing thermomechanical coupling between the mechanical and thermal fields is covered by the Müller-Achenbach-Seelecke (MAS) model. Its versatility when implemented as a standalone program has been documented extensively in the literature (S. Seelecke and I. Müller, Appl. Mech. Rev., 57(1), 2004, p 23-46; M. Achenbach, Int. J. Plast., 5(4), 1989, p 371-395; I. Müller and S. Seelecke, Mathem. Comp. Mod., 34(12-13), 2001, p 1307-1355). This model has been evaluated within various simulation environments, standalone programs as well as in commercial tools like FEMLAB and ANSYS. Here we present an application of the MAS model within the finite-element (FEM) simulation software ABAQUS. The MAS constitutive equation of state for SMA is ported into ABAQUS via a user material interface. We present the results of simulation examples using this computer model and validate them by comparison with reference solutions. Using ABAQUS finite elements allowing for temperature as a degree of freedom, the effects of the release and the absorption of latent heats in a fully coupled simulation are demonstrated. Further, a FEM implementation of the model extension to polycrystalline materials is presented as these are of greater relevance with regard to engineering applications. The results show that the incorporation of the MAS model into the ABAQUS environment provides a powerful tool useful in the framework of engineering design studies, especially in situations which require nonisothermal conditions and phase transitions.