A visco-hyperelastic approach to modelling the constitutive behaviour of rubber

A visco-hyperelastic constitutive equation is proposed to describe the larg e-deformation response of incompressible rubber under high strain rates. Th e equation comprises two parts - a component with three parameters to chara cterise static hyperelastic behaviour, and another also with three paramete rs to define rate-sensitivity and strain history dependence. Relatively str aightforward static and dynamic experimental techniques are employed to det ermine the six parameters in the constitutive relationship. Comparison of p redictions based on the proposed model with experiments shows that it is ab le to aptly describe visco-hyperelastic behaviour of rubber-like materials under high strain rates. The material model is also used in a simulation of the three-dimensional dynamic response of a rubber pad to impact. Comparis on with experimental results shows that there is good agreement with the si mulation (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.