Predicting shape memory characteristics of polyurethane in three‐point bending deformation

As a kind of an exceptional material, the temperature‐responding shape memory polymer can fix a temporary shape when cooled down and recover to its original shape when reheated up. Several models have been developed to describe the process. In the present work, we use the generalized Maxwell model to predict the shape memory characteristics of polyurethane in three‐point bending deformation by means of three‐dimensional finite element simulation. The deformation–temperature–stress behavior is obtained numerically. The results reveal that under the condition of accelerating reheating rates at the stage of stress‐free recovery, the maximum recovery rate occurs at higher temperature whereas the recovery ratio decreases. When the deformation degree enlarges, the maximum recovery stress increases in the situation of constrained recovery. The micro‐motion theory of polymer segments is used to explain the characteristics in the shape memory cycle. The simulated results agree well with previous researches, which demonstrate that the simplified model and the numerical simulation method are helpful for both scientific research and engineering development about shape memory polymers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.