Abstract: Based on the Melnikov method for non-smooth systems, we studied the chaotic motion of a shape memory alloy beam with bilateral constraints under harmonic excitation, and obtained the  necessary conditions for the occurrence of Smale horseshoe chaos. The phase diagram, Poincaré section diagram and maximum Lyapunov exponent of the system were studied by numerical simulation. The results show that the numerical simulation results are consistent with the analytical results under Melnikov criterion. When parameters take specific values, the larger impact recovery coefficient can suppress chaos, and the larger harmonic excitation amplitude can promote the generation of chaos.

Key words: bilateral constraints, shape memory alloy beam, Melnikov method, Smale horseshoe chaos