Abstract
The Virtual Fields Method (VFM) is used to explore strain-rate dependent mechanical properties of a hyperelastic material. In this method, the principle of virtual work is constructed to inversely obtain the Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of a given material from optical measurements of displacement obtained during a dynamic loading event. The virtual displacement field is designed so that acceleration fields, and thereby inertial forces, are used to calculate the material properties, and the traction force term in the principle of virtual work can be eliminated. Experimentally, this means that no force measurements are required during dynamic loading. Prior to the experimental investigations, a simple analytical calculation and finite element model were used in order to simulate the method; the output from the VFM showed good agreement with the given material coefficients. For the experimental work, pure silicone rubber was chosen as a model material. This rubber was tested in tension using a drop-weight apparatus at a medium strain rate (c.a. 160s−1), using high speed photography and Digital Image Correlation to provide strain and acceleration data which were subsequently analyzed by use of the VFM. By using static pre-stretching prior to the dynamic load, the hyperelastic behavior can be investigated up to large strains, even though the dynamic loading itself only has a small strain amplitude. By optimizing the differential one-term Ogden model to modulus estimations at each of the pre-stretching locations, the nonlinear stress–strain curves were reconstructed. The initial modulus change between these dynamic experiments and quasi-static tests was compared to the storage modulus increment obtained from DMA tests on the same material.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.