Finite-Element Analysis in Design with Rubber

Abstract

Abstract The application of finite-element analysis in rubber technology has been discussed. The intent has been to combine features of a tutorial, an exposition, and a survey. Attention has been limited to homogeneous cured rubber products. The finite-element method is a prime constituent of computer-aided engineering, and, as such, it is a powerful resource for the design and analysis of rubber components. Owing to rapid progress and greater availability of computer hardware and software and, in particular, computer-aided design systems, finite-element analysis is eminently practical. Difficulties such as incompressibility and large deformation, the subjects of a substantial literature, appear to have been successfully addressed. Finite-element analyses of rubber products such as seals and bearings have been published widely, often along with experimental validation. However, note that the implementation of the hyperelastic element in major codes has occurred recently. And, at the time of this review, in several codes, the elements are still quite limited, for example, to plane strain. Thus, it appears that rubber technology has yet to see the full impact of the finite-element method.