Evaluation of a Pseudo-Elastic Model for the Mullins Effect

Abstract

Abstract Typically, the stress-strain response in filled rubbers depends strongly on the maximum loading previously encountered. The phenomenon, known as the Mullins effect, can be idealized for many purposes as an instantaneous and irreversible softening of the stress-strain curve that occurs whenever the load increases beyond its prior all-time maximum value. At times when the load is less than a prior maximum, nonlinear elastic behavior prevails. Ogden and Roxburgh proposed an empirical model capable of describing this phenomenon, based on a pseudo-elastic concept. Their model, with minor adaptations, has recently been implemented in a commercial finite element program. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the implemented model for several benchmark cases including uniform hydrostatic loading, simple tension, pure shear, and equibiaxial tension. The paper also compares model predictions with experimental results for a series of experiments conducted with various combinations of axial tension/compression and torsion loading.