Part comprising a structure and a shape memory alloy element

A fabrication method for fabricating a composite material structure with at least one shape memory alloy element within it, said structure being made up of a plurality of sub-structures, said method comprising:

• providing a plurality of sub-structures;
• applying prestress to said shape memory alloy element;
• placing said at least one shape memory alloy element on one of said sub-structures;
• covering said at least one shape memory alloy element at least in part by another one of said sub-structures;
• fastening together said shape memory alloy element and said structure, said sub-structures being selected from a group comprising a laminate of unidirectional plies, a woven composite, a braided composite, a uniform material, a film type covering, and a layer-of-paint type covering;
• and
• releasing said prestress.

A fabrication method for fabricating a fiber structure with at least one shape memory alloy element within it, the method comprising:

• providing a preform of woven or braided fibers;
• applying prestress to said shape memory alloy element;
• inserting said at least one shape memory alloy element within said preform;
• densifying said preform and said at least one shape memory alloy element;
• and
• releasing said prestress.