Modeling the indentation and puncturing of inflated elastic membranes by rigid indenters

Abstract

In this paper energy argument and maximum local deformation criteria are used to predict the puncturing of inflated elastic membranes by a rigid indenter. The direct membrane theory and a particular Varga type strain energy function are used to model the indentation and puncturing of an isotropic spherical elastic membrane enclosing an incompressible fluid by a rigid frictionless cylindrical indenter. The non-linear equilibrium equations are formulated and numerical procedure is developed to obtain solutions. A global mode of failure is established by considering the resultant strain energy in the punctured membrane. An additional local mode of failure is identified in which the membrane fails once local deformation reaches a critical value. It is observed that the indenter radius, initial membrane inflation and material properties determine the conditions under which puncturing occurs.