Parameter identification of analytical and experimental rubber isolators represented by Maxwell models

A parameter identification method based on constraint optimization is developed for a single mass elastomeric isolation system where the isolator is represented by a Maxwell model with two or more Maxwell elements. The method utilizes measured static stiffness and frequency response of the isolator in a single mass configuration with constraints on the natural frequency and damping ratio. It is revealed through analytical examples that Maxwell models consisting of only one or two Maxwell elements can accurately replicate the dynamic behavior of Maxwell systems having two or more Maxwell elements. To experimentally evaluate the method, three different rubber isolators are considered. For all three rubber isolators, it is shown that Voigt models are incapable of accurately representing the measured static stiffness and frequency response. Although identified Maxwell models having only one Maxwell element can match the measured natural frequency, damping ratio and static stiffness, they cannot match the measured frequency response curves well. However, identified Maxwell models with two Maxwell elements can accurately represent the measured static and dynamic characteristics of the real elastomeric isolation systems.