SELECTION OF MATERIAL LAWS AND IDENTIFICA TION OF MATERIAL PARAMETERSFOR NONLINEAR ELASTIC-MATERIALS

Elastomer components are used for a wide range of applications (e.g. s eals, load introduction and damping elements, coatings). Their importa nce for the proper function of complete subassemblies has continuously increased over the last years. Despite the comparatively low cost of elastomer parts the design and testing of these components requires a high standard of expertise and thorough understanding. Modern analysis and appropriate software tools (e.g. finite-element codes) are utiliz ed by manufacturers and customers (OEMs) to simulate the behavior of e lastomer components under operational conditions. Realistic geometries and boundary conditions can be investigated at acceptable expenses. T he quality of the results obtained depends substantially on an ac cura te model for the complicated material behavior. This article provides an insight into development and application of material laws which des cribe the hyperelastic and viscoelastic behavior of elastomer material s. Suitable experimental and numerical procedures are presented to ide ntify the material parameters. The verified material models are input to structural analyses, dimensioning and assessment of strength and lo ng-term behavior for elastomer components.