Finite element simulation of deformation behaviour of cellular rubber components

This paper presents a new prospect of investigating the mechanical behaviour of cellular rubber using a porous hyperelastic material model within the framework of homogenisation method to consider pore volume fraction. There are number of hyperelastic material models to describe the behaviour of homogeneous elastomer, but very few to characterise the complex properties of cellular rubber. The analysis of dependence of material behaviour on pore density using the new material model is supported with experiments to characterise the actual material behaviour. The finite element simulations are then followed by compression load tests to validate the material model.

► Material modelling of cellular rubber.
► Considering void volume fraction by homogenisation method.
► Material characterisation by Micro-CT.
► Finite element simulations of rubber gaskets.