Modeling the mechanics of crystallizable shape memory polymers with two crystallizing phases for crystallization under constant strain

Shape Memory Polymers are a promising class of smart materials with applications ranging from biomedical devices to aerospace technology. SMPs have a capacity to retain complex temporary shapes involving large deformations and revert back to their original shape when triggered by external stimuli such as heat. Crystallizable SMPs are a subclass of SMPs where the transient shape is retained by formation of a crystalline phase and return to the original shape is due to melting of this crystalline phase [1]. Recently CSMPs with multiphase polymer networks containing two different crystallizable segments have been reported which have the capability to switch between three shapes when stimulated by changes in temperature [2,4]. These properties open up many new possibilities for applications. Our research is focused upon modeling the mechanics associated with these CSMPs. The model is developed using a framework based upon theory of multiple natural configurations [3]. The developed model is then used to simulate results for typical boundary value problems.