Abstract: Due to the shape memory effect, shape memor y alloy fibers, embedded in laminated composite plates,will generate large recovery str esses after phase transformat ion, not only to improve mechanical proper ties of theloaded structure, but also to change the stress distribution in t he dangerous area and reduce stress concentration. Int he case of a laminated composite plate with a circular hole, by conducting stretching tests and measuring the str essconcentr at ion factor, this paper demonstrates t hat shape memory alloy fibers have an effect of control over the str essconcentr at ion in the near by area of the circular hole of the loaded composite component, where the stress concentration factor was reduced by 9% at the most.

Key words: shape memory alloy (SMA), shape memory effect (SME), stress concentration, Martensitic transformation, smart composites