Development of superelastic constitutive models for shape memory alloys and their applications in biomedical engineering

Abstract

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a class of smart materials exhibiting unique superelastic behavior, making them highly attractive for biomedical applications. Constitutive modeling plays a crucial role in bridging the intrinsic material response and engineering design. In this work, the development of superelastic constitutive models for SMAs is systematically reviewed from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. Macroscopic phenomenological models provide computationally efficient tools for engineering applications by simplifying phase transformation mechanisms, while microscopic models capture the underlying crystallographic evolution and offer deeper insights into hysteresis behavior and functional degradation. In addition, recent advances in experimental characterization, including tension–compression cycling, fatigue loading, and environmental testing, are summarized to highlight the key factors influencing superelastic performance and durability. The integration of constitutive models with finite element analysis enables accurate prediction of stress distribution, phase transformation evolution, and long-term stability of complex biomedical devices under physiological conditions. Finally, the role of superelastic SMAs in biomedical applications, such as stents and orthopedic implants, is discussed, and future research directions are outlined. This review provides a comprehensive foundation for the design and optimization of SMA-based biomedical devices.