A formulation of rubber elasticity and viscoelasticity with damage for finite element simulations

For realistic finite element simulations of elastomeric structural parts, m aterial models are required, which describe the elastic and the inelastic c haracteristics of rubber material, The present contribution introduces a no vel, physically motivated formulation - the so-called "tube model", The app roach takes into account the finite extensibility of polymer chains as well as topological constraints, Nonlinear elasticity is extended by a descript ion of damage phenomena, This way, the load-depending reduction of the elas tic properties is included, Time- and frequency-dependent properties of rub ber material are described by a viscoelastic model, Finite element simulati ons illustrate the application of the introduced material formulation.