We are pleased to announce the publication of our open access article “Computational simulation of shape memory polymer structures via finite elements and mesh morphing” in Smart Materials and Structures.

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are an important class of smart materials, able to recover a permanent shape after being deformed into a temporary configuration under external stimuli. A critical stage in this process is shape-programming, which is difficult to reproduce numerically due to the need for complex boundary conditions and repeated trial-and-error approaches.

This paper introduces a computational method that integrates finite element analysis in Abaqus with mesh morphing techniques. In particular, this is the first publication where the RBF Morph mesh morphing technology is applied to define the temporary geometry of shape memory materials. The approach allows the direct imposition of the programmed shape, avoiding the need for complex loading conditions, while improving accuracy and reducing computational cost. The methodology is demonstrated on a representative 4D printed structure, showing robust and reliable predictions of the shape-memory cycle.

Read the full article here.