Mullins effect modelling and experiment for anti-vibration systems

An approach based on rebound energy (resilience) change is proposed to predict stabilisation of the Mullins effect for anti-vibration systems. A silicone rubber product manufactured in industry was selected for experimentation and verification. A Mullins indicator, in terms of the maximum loading forces over the accumulated residual deflection throughout the loading-unloading cycles, is proposed as a criterion to evaluate the stabilisation of the Mullins effect. Industry typically employs a three-loading/unloading-cycle routine on this silicone rubber product to remove the Mullins effect by approximately 75%. To achieve 95% accuracy for stabilisation, seven loading-unloading cycles are suggested. Verification shows that the proposed approach predicts results very close to measured experimental values, and the method can be used for engineering design and industrial applications.