Shape memory alloy (SMA) pipe couplers use the shape memory effect to apply a contact pressure onto the surface of
the pipes to be coupled. In the current research, a SMA pipe coupler is designed, fabricated and tested. The thermally
induced contact pressure depends on several factors such as the dimensions and properties of the coupler-pipe system.
Two alloy systems are considered: commercially-available NiTiNb couplers and in-house developed NiTi couplers. The
coupling pressure is measured using strain gages mounted on the internal surface of an elastic ring. An axisymmetric
finite element model including SMA constitutive equations is also developed, and the finite element results are compared
with the experimental results.