Theoretical analysis of superelastic SMA helical structures subjected to axial and torsional loads

Helical structures made of superelastic shape memory alloys are widely used as interventional medical devices and active actuators. These structures generally undergo large deformation during expansion or actuation. Currently their behaviour is modelled numerically using the finite element method or obtained through experiments. Analytical tools are absent. In this paper, an analytical approach has been developed for analyzing the mechanical responses of such structures subjected to axial and torsional loads. The simulation results given by the analytical approach have been compared with both numerical and experimental data. Good agreements between the results indicate that the analysis is valid.