Non-linear stresses in a rubber cylinder sheared by pressure at one end

Abstract

Normal stresses are set up by shearing a rubber block or tube. They depend strongly on the end conditions, even for relatively long specimens [A.N. Gent, J.B. Suh, S.G. Kelly III, Mechanics of rubber shear springs, Int. J. Non-Linear Mech. 42 (2007) 241–249; J.B. Suh, A.N. Gent, S.G. Kelly III, Shear of rubber tube springs, Int. J. Non-Linear Mech. 42 (2007) 1116–1126]. We have now examined a solid rubber cylinder bonded within a rigid cylindrical tube and subjected to pressure at one end. In this case, the correct end conditions for a simple shear deformation are met, at least approximately. Theoretical analysis and finite element calculations show that inwardly directed second-order stresses are set up at the wall, in contrast to the outwardly directed stresses generated by shearing a block or tube. However, for the particular geometry considered, the stresses were rather small in comparison with the applied pressure. Conditions are described under which they would be significantly larger. Stresses in a non-linearly viscous fluid under steady shear flows are expected to be similar, depending strongly on the geometry, end shapes and stress conditions.