Abstract: The method of decomposition of deformation gradient and thermodynamics with internal state variables were used to describe the thermo-mechanical behavior of the carbon fiber reinforced shape memory polymer (CF/SMP) composite. A thermo-viscoelastic constitutive model incorporated with stress and structural relaxation was developed in the work. The model can be applied to the finite deformation condition. In the simulation, the CF/SMP lamina was under the unidirectional stress and in the condition of plane stress state. The influence factors of carbon effective strain of the lamina were studied based on the constitutive model. It is proved that the properly ranged carbon fiber can be used in the CF/SMP under the condition of finite deformation condition, though the tolerant strain of the carbon fiber is rather small. In addition, the influence factors of the shape memory effect (SME) of the CF/SMP during a typical thermo-mechanical shape memory cycle were studied here. It is demonstrated that the CF/SMP with the higher volume fraction and smaller inclination angle has the higher stiffness which will result in the lower shape ratio. In addition, the carbon fiber volume fraction and heating rate may also have effect on the recovery process. The research in the paper could provide a basis for design and application of the CF/SMP in engineering.