Shape Memory Alloy Shading Systems: An Optimization Model

Smart materials that react to heat energy have a potential of usage as shading system components; shape memory alloys (SMA) are one of those materials. SMAs can transform heat into a change in form, introducing movable shading systems without using electricity. However, only tools targeting micro-scale simulations of SMA materials are present. Thus, the paper focuses on introducing a simulation script for a SMA building envelope based on archsim radiation tool. Using a multi-variable optimization tool, the paper explores variable form changing SMA shading screen designs. The overall resultant shows a flexible macro-scale simulation-optimization tool for SMA shading devices