Theory of the Elastic Net Applied to Cord-Rubber Composites

Abstract

Abstract There has been considerable interest over the last twenty years in the subject of the elastic properties of cord-rubber composites. This has been due to the rather intensive study of composite material characteristics, brought about by the increased use of rigid composites in many structural applications. In addition, work on the prediction of cord rubber composite properties has also continued because of the active development of finite element programs for analysis of pneumatic tire properties. These finite element programs require a thorough knowledge of cord-rubber composite elastic characteristics, which in turn are found to be considerably more difficult to calculate than had been originally thought. The present paper introduces a simplified theory for the prediction of such properties with sufficient accuracy for engineering uses.