Shape memory alloy (SMA) wires are embedded within laminated
composite beams to take advantage of the shape memory effect
property of the SMA. Active shape controls of these structures are studied using the finite element method. A non-linear finite element model and its source codes were developed for this purpose. Both Euler-Bernoulli’s and Timoshenko’s beam theories are used. The former theory requires 4 degree of freedom
elements while in the later the 6 degree of freedom elements are used. The geometric non-linear model is based on the von Karman non-linear strain. The effect of SMA is captured by adding the geometric stiffness matrix to the typical stiffness matrix of
composite plates. The Newton-Raphson method is then used to obtain the transverse deflections of the beams. Two methods of shape controls are considered here: The active property tuning (APT) and the active strain energy tuning (ASET). The values of recovery stresses for the ASET improvement of the SMA are determined from the Brinson’s model. Studies are conducted on the anti-symmetric angle ply SMA laminated composite beams. The effect of several parameters such as the geometric, mechanical and SMA transformation effects on the deflections of the SMA composite beams are studied. It was found that the effect of moment recovery on the beam deflection is significant and with appropriate configurations of SMA composite beams, the deflection of the beams due to external loading can be suppressed.