In polymer composites, constrained shape recovery, either by shape memory polymer (SMP) matrix or embedded SMP fibers, is utilized to close wide-opened cracks, followed by molecular scale healing either extrinsically or intrinsically, the so-called close-then-heal strategy. The most popular means to trigger shape recovery and healing is by heating. In this study, the potential for using high intensity focused ultrasound as a trigger for shape memory effect and self-healing of an SMP fiber-reinforced thermosetting polymer composite was explored. The objectives of the study were achieved via a finite element simulation in COMSOL Multiphysics. Simulation results showed that for an 8 mm thick, 18 mm long model composite with 5.8% SMP fiber volume fraction, a temperature rise of up to 5.6 K was obtained in the embedded SMP fiber after 2 s with only 1 s of the insonation. It was found that heat generation occurred at the fiber–matrix interfaces; however, subsequent temperature rise within the embedded fibers was achieved via conventional thermal conduction from the high-temperature interfacial regions into the fibers. The effect of specimen length, thickness, and fiber volume fraction on temperature rising was also evaluated. This study provides a better understanding of using ultrasound to trigger self-healing of SMP fiber-reinforced polymer composites.

在聚合物复合材料中，通过形状记忆聚合物 (SMP) 基体或嵌入的 SMP 纤维限制形状恢复，用于闭合大开裂缝，然后进行外在或内在的分子尺度愈合，即所谓的闭合然后愈合战略。最流行的触发形状恢复和愈合的方法是加热。在这项研究中，探索了使用高强度聚焦超声作为形状记忆效应和 SMP 纤维增强热固性聚合物复合材料自愈的触发器的潜力。该研究的目标是通过 COMSOL Multiphysics 中的有限元仿真实现的。仿真结果表明，对于具有 5.8% SMP 纤维体积分数的 8 mm 厚、18 mm 长模型复合材料，温升高达 5。在仅 1 秒的声波下，2 秒后在嵌入的 SMP 光纤中获得了 6 K。发现发热发生在纤维-基体界面；然而，嵌入纤维内的后续温度升高是通过从高温界面区域到纤维的常规热传导实现的。还评估了试样长度、厚度和纤维体积分数对升温的影响。这项研究为使用超声波触发 SMP 纤维增强聚合物复合材料的自愈提供了更好的理解。还评估了试样长度、厚度和纤维体积分数对升温的影响。这项研究为使用超声波触发 SMP 纤维增强聚合物复合材料的自愈提供了更好的理解。还评估了试样长度、厚度和纤维体积分数对升温的影响。这项研究为使用超声波触发 SMP 纤维增强聚合物复合材料的自愈提供了更好的理解。