Statistical approach for a hyper-visco-plastic model for filled rubber: Experimental characterization and numerical modeling

This paper presents a campaign of experimental tests performed on a silicone elastomer filled with silica particles. These tests were conducted under controlled temperatures (ranging from −55 °C to +70 °C) and under uniaxial tension and in shearing modes. In these two classes of tests, the specimens were subjected to cyclic loading at various deformation rates and amplitudes and relaxation tests at various levels of deformation. A statistical hyper-visco-elasto-plastic model is then presented, which covers a wide loading frequency spectrum and requires indentifying only a few characteristic parameters. The method used to identify these parameters consists in performing several successive partial identifications with a view to reducing the coupling effects between the parameters. Lastly, comparisons between modeling predictions and the experimental data recorded under harmonic loading, confirm the accuracy of the model in a relatively wide frequency range and a large range of deformations.

► An experimental campaign in shearing and traction is provided at controlled temperature, strain amplitudes and strain rates.
► A new constitutive model for filled rubber is developed, motivated by experimental observations.
► Statistical representation of fillers behavior allows to reduce the number of material parameters.
► The effect of strain rate, amplitude of loading and temperature is well taken into account.
► An original identification procedure in 4 steps is proposed.