Nucleation, Growth and Instability of the Cavitation in Rubber

Abstract

Elastomeric Matrix Composites (EMCs) subjected to static and fluctuating loads basically fail due to the nucleation and growth of defects. In fact, higher hydrostatic pressure influences mechanical behaviour of EMCs. In other words, the change in behaviour of EMCs due to the nucleation of cavitations under the hydrostatic pressure is evaluated for understanding of the mechanics underlying the damage mechanism. Two types of specimens are used in this study; Natural rubber, NR vulcanised and reinforced by carbon black and Synthetic rubber (styrene-butadiene-rubber, SBR).