This repository contains the MATLAB scripts for simulating the thermomechanical behavior of a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator. The project demonstrates how an SMA-based actuator bends in response to thermal changes.
This simulation was completed as part of my personal learning roadmap for Programmable Matter & Soft Robotics.
(The video shows the beam actuator bending as temperature increases from 20°C to 100°C)
This simulation explores the physics of SMAs by modeling their phase transition from the soft "Martensite" phase (soft) to the rigid "Austenite" phase (stiff).
The project includes three key models:
- Model 1 (Stress vs. Temperature): Simulates the change in material stiffness based on temperature.
- Model 2 (Stress-Strain Hysteresis): Models the non-linear, energy-dissipating hysteresis loop at a constant temperature.
- Model 3 (Combined Model): A comprehensive model showing how the hysteresis loop itself shifts at different operating temperatures.
The final script (sma_animation.m) uses these principles to create the visual animation.
- sma_animation.m: The main MATLAB script to run the bending actuator animation and render the video file.
- sma_models.m: (Or your model filename) The script used to generate the static analysis plots (Stress-Temp, Hysteresis).
- SMA_MATLAB_Report.pdf: A detailed PDF report explaining the methodology, physics, and analysis of the simulation results.
- sma_animation.mp4: The final rendered video output of the simulation (linked above).
- Make sure you have MATLAB installed.
- Clone or download this repository.
- Open the .m scripts in MATLAB.
- Run sma_animation.m to see the animation and (re)generate the .mp4 video file.
- Run sma_models.m (or your equivalent script) to generate the static analysis plots used in the report.