Finite element analysis and design optimization of rubber components for vibration isolation

Abstract

A constitutive theory, finite element formulation and topology optimization for anti-vibration rubber are presented. Many vibration isolators made of rubbers are operating under small oscillatory load superimposed on large static deformation. A~viscoelastic constitutive equation for rubber is proposed considering the influence of large static pre-deformation on the dynamic properties. The proposed model is derived through linearization of Simo's viscoelastic constitutive model and introduction of static deformation correction factor. And then the model is implemented in a finite element code to analyze the behavior of rubber elements under general loading conditions. Dynamic tests are performed in order to verify the model under multi-axial deformation. The computed results by the FEA code are compared with the experimental results and the suggested constitutive equation with static deformation correction factor shows good agreement with the test values. For the stability and low transmissibility of isolation systems, both static and dynamic performance must be concurrently considered in the design process. The continuum-based design sensitivity analyses (DSA) of both the static hyperelastic model and dynamic viscoelastic model are developed. And then the topology optimization methodology is used in order to generate the system layouts considering both the static and dynamic performance.