Computer simulation as a tool to investigate the shearing deformation of nonhomogeneous elastomers

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Abstract

The large deformation of elastomeric (rubber-like) materials has been commonly analyzed within the context of hyperelasticity. Although there is ample experimental evidence suggesting the nonhomogeneity of these materials, the majority of the hyperelastic models assume the material homogeneity. In the present study, a Gent material model is generalized in light of recent experimental studies to be able to simulate the shearing deformation of a nonhomogeneous isotropic incompressible elastomeric slab. The numerical solution of the static equilibrium equations shows that the shearing response of nonhomogeneous slabs is substantially different from that of homogeneous slabs. The finite chain extensibility, which is a characteristic of most rubber-like materials, is shown to have a self-homogenizing effect on the strain field in addition to its well-known stiffening effect on the stress field.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)239-264
Number of pages26
JournalJournal of Elastomers and Plastics
Volume34
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2002
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

Keywords

  • Chain extensibility
  • Computer simulations
  • Hyperelasticity
  • Inhomogeneous shear
  • Material design
  • Nonhomogeneous elastomers

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