A unified semi-smooth Newton framework for large-strain SMA contact: application to stent deployment
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We propose a unified computational framework for large-strain dynamic contact in shape-memory-alloy (SMA) structures, with application to stent deployment in an artery-like environment. The model couples persistent unilateral contact and Coulomb friction at interfaces with finite-strain SMA inelastic transformations. A key feature is that both interface constraints and constitutive transformation conditions are written in a common KKT/NCP complementarity form. The resulting nonsmooth problem is solved by a single semi-smooth Newton--PDAS strategy, where Gauss-point active sets for SMA evolution are treated within the same loop as contact active sets. A midpoint time discretization is adopted to preserve robust transient behavior. The framework is assessed on academic superelastic and dynamic plasticity-type benchmarks, including exact-solution-oriented verification settings. It is then validated on a 2D stent--artery contact test under loading--unloading cycles with frictional interaction. Numerical results show competitive iteration counts versus radial-return-type updates. The proposed monolithic architecture provides a practical and scalable basis for advanced patient-oriented simulations with natural extensions toward 3D.
