A model for the hysteretic behavior of shape memory alloys under repeated loading cycles

We propose a simple model for the hysteretic behavior of shape memory alloys under repeated loading cycles. Our basic assumption is a two-well free energy density that varies with the loading history due to the modifications of the material properties during the phase transition processes. The model reproduces important experimental observations ranging from multi-plateaux transition paths and the variations of the stress-strain hysteresis loop with the loading history, to internal loops for incomplete phase transitions and return point memory property.