Author(s)

S.J. Jerrams & N. Reece-Pinchin

Abstract

Verifications of finite element techniques applied to elastomers are difficult to achieve since few classical solutions to hyperelastic, nonlinear analyses exist. The Axisymmetric Boussinesq Problem of normal pressure applied to the boundary of an elastic half-space is considered. Deformations in compliant materials due to different rigid indenters are dependent on load and shear modulus. Since the statistical theory for rubber assumes a constant shear modulus, such indenter tests may be appropriate for benchmarking hyperelastic finite element analyses. The level of shear strain at which the rigidity modulus ceases to be linear and its value for higher strains will determine how closely an individual rubber conforms to Boussinesq behaviour. Hence comparisons are made between classical theory, physical tests and finite element analysis for flat ended, spherical and conical

Keywords