Abstract
In the present paper, experimental investigation and continuum mechanical modeling of Mullins effect in swollen elastomers, due to exposure to palm biodiesel, under cyclic loading conditions are addressed. To this end, the nature of Mullins effect in both dry and swollen elastomers is explored and compared. It is found that swelling reduces Mullins effect. Based on experimental observations, in order to account for swelling in the modeling of Mullins effect, two constitutive equations widely used in literature are considered and phenomenologically extended: Continuum Damage Mechanics model and Pseudo-Elastic model. The efficiency of the two extended models are assessed and perspectives for further development are drawn.
Highlights
Elastomers have distinguished themselves among polymeric materials with their own particular characteristics
The results presented in the present section clearly indicated the complexity of the material responses, i.e. Mullins effect, hysteresis and permanent set
The focus was laid on the Mullins effect classically observed in rubber under cyclic loading conditions
Summary
Elastomers have distinguished themselves among polymeric materials with their own particular characteristics. Chagnon, Verron, Marckmann, and Gornet (2006) later modified this network alteration theory to include the dangling chains effect in the network and proposed that the number of monomers involved in the elastic response of the material is a decreasing function of the maximum deformation. In addition to fluctuating mechanical loading, many industrial rubber components are exposed to aggressive solvents, e.g. in o-rings, hoses and sealing applications (Selvadurai & Yu, 2006) The exposure to such hostile environment is crucial since it speeds up material degradation in the form of swelling (Flory, 1953; Treloar, 1975). The objective of the present work is to characterize and to model the Mullins effect in rubber under cyclic loading taking into consideration the swelling For this purpose, mechanical tests are conducted in order to compare the nature of Mullins effect in dry and swollen rubbers. The performance of the two extended CDM and PE models are discussed by comparing their ability to capture Mullins effect in swollen rubbers under cyclic loading
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