This work discusses the numerical analysis, the design and experimental test of the SMA actuator along with its capabilities and limitations. Convective heating and cooling using water actuate the SMA(Shape memory alloy) element of the actuator. The fuel such as propane, having a high energy density, is used as the energy source for the SMA actuator in order to increase power and energy density of the system, and thus in order to obviate the need for electrical power supplies such as batteries. The system is composed of a pump, valves, bellows, a heater(burner), control unit and a displacement amplification device. The experimental test of the SMA actuator system results in 150 MPa stress(force : 1560 N) with $3\%$ strain and 0.5 Hz. actuation frequency. The actuation frequency is compared with the prediction obtained from numerical analysis. For the designed SMA actuator system, the results of numerical analysis were utilized in determining design parameters and operating conditions.