Peak Compressive Stress Research Articles

High-frequency oscillatory motions enhance the simulated mechanical properties of non-weight bearing trabecular bone

Extremely low-level oscillatory accelerations, applied without constraint, can increase bone formation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that high-frequency oscillations, applied in the absence of functional weight bearing, can be sensed by trabecular bone to produce a structure that is more efficient in sustaining applied loads. The left leg of anesthetized adult female mice ( n=18) was subjected to high-frequency oscillations at 45 Hz, 0.6 g for 20 min/day, 5 days/week for 3 weeks, while the contralateral leg served as an internal control. To remove the potential interference of the habitual strain environment with the imposed physical signal, the hindlimbs of these mice were chronically unloaded. In vivo microCT scans of the proximal metaphyseal region of the tibia were transformed into finite element meshes to evaluate trabecular and cortical mechanical properties. Simulated longitudinal compression tests showed that the short applications of high-frequency oscillations were sensed primarily by trabecular bone. At the end of the experimental period, apparent trabecular stiffness of the oscillated bones was 38% ( p<0.001) greater than that of non-weight bearing controls. Simulated uniaxial loads applied to trabecular bone induced 21%, 52%, and 131% greater ( p<0.05) median, peak compressive, and peak tensile longitudinal stresses in control than in stimulated bones. Non-weight bearing control bones were also characterized by greater transverse normal and shear stresses (77% and 54%, respectively, p<0.001) as well as 35% greater ( p=0.03) longitudinal shear stresses. Compared to normal age-matched controls ( n=18), oscillations were able to attenuate, but not fully prevent, the decline in trabecular mechanical properties associated with the removal of weight bearing. These data indicate not only that bone cells can sense low-level, high-frequency oscillatory accelerations, but also that they can orchestrate a structural response that produces a stiffer trabecular structure that may be less prone to fracture.

Impact-induced fatigue of foamed polymers

The fatigue life of foamed polymers in compression impact was measured using a cam-driven compound pendulum system. Impact-induced fatigue data are presented for two open-celled foamed polymers having different densities, which are often used for shock mitigation. Material measurements at constant incident energy included the static compression modulus and peak dynamic stress, which progressively degraded as the number of impacts approached one million. Other indicators of fatigue life were cell breakdown, in which microscopic edge cracks were observed in both dry and water-saturated test specimens. The dry material had the longer fatigue life. In both cases, cell breakdown occurred after a million or more impacts at peak compressive stresses in the 200–300 kN/m 2 range.

Response of a Zr-based bulk amorphous alloy to shock wave compression

Plane shock wave experiments were performed on bulk amorphous alloy (BAA) samples having a nominal composition of Zr56.7Cu15.3Ni12.5Nb5.0Al10.0Y0.5. Peak compressive stresses ranged from 4to16.4GPa. Piezoelectric pins and a velocity interferometer were used to measure elastic shock speeds and particle velocity histories, respectively. The elastic Hugoniot curve was determined and the Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) was measured to be approximately 7.0GPa, a value significantly higher than expected from quasistatic uniaxial stress data. Impact loading beyond the HEL results in a distinct two wave structure due to elastic-plastic deformation. Our data also show clear evidence for strength loss under shock loading above the HEL. Unlike most metals, the present data show distinct elastic response during unloading. We present a continuum model to describe the deformation response of the BAA to shock loading. Simulations using this time-dependent, strain-softening strength model were able to successfully match the measured wave profiles. The calculated profiles indicate that the characteristic time for stress relaxation is very small (few nanoseconds) and confirm that a significant loss of strength occurs as the plastic wave propagates through the material. When the material is shocked to a peak stress of 16.4GPa, our model indicates that the yield stress in the shocked state is reduced by at least 0.7GPa from its value of 2.7GPa at the HEL.

Temperature-Dependent Shear Strain Localization of Aluminium-Lithium Alloy in Uniaxial Compression Using Zerilli-Armstrong and Gradient Plasticity Models

Gradient-dependent plasticity where a characteristic length is involved to consider the microstructural effect (interactions and interplaying among microstructures due to the heterogeneous texture) is introduced into Zerilli-Armstrong model based on the framework of thermally activated dislocation motion. Effect of initial temperature on the distributions of plastic shear strain and deformation in adiabatic shear band (ASB), the axial compressive stress-axial compressive strain curve, the shear stress-average plastic shear strain in ASB curve and the plastic shear strain corresponding to the occurrence of shear strain localization is investigated. The axial deformation within aluminum-lithium alloy specimen in uniaxial compression in strain-hardening stage is considered to be uniform. Beyond the peak compressive stress, a single ASB with a certain thickness determined by internal length is formed and intersects the specimen. The axial plastic deformation is decomposed into uniform deformation and localized deformation due to the shear slip along ASB. Lower temperature leads to earlier occurrence of shear strain localization, i.e., lower critical plastic compressive strain, steeper post-peak shear stress-average plastic shear strain in ASB curve, higher peak shear stress and more apparent shear strain localization. The calculated distributions of plastic shear strain and deformation in ASB are highly nonuniform due to the microstructural effect, as cannot be predicted by classical elastoplastic theory applicable to completely homogenous material. The predicted average plastic shear strains in ASB for different widths of ASB agree with the measured values for under-aged Al-Li alloy at 298K and at strain rate of approximately 103s-1.

Thermal Residual Stress Relaxation in Powder Metal IN100 Superalloy

Abstract Relaxation of shot peen induced compressive residual stresses due to thermal exposure was measured using X-ray diffraction. The material used in this study was a hot isostatically pressed (HIP) powder metal (PM) IN100 nickel base superalloy. A total of 14 IN100 samples were shot peened to an Almen intensity of 6A using MI-170-R shot with 125 % coverage. The sample dimensions were nominally 16×13×4-mm thick with an irradiated X-ray region of 8×5 mm. Residual stress measurements were made at the surface and at nominal depths of 12, 25, 50, 75, 125, 175, 250, and 350 microns. The shot peened samples were thermal exposed at two temperatures (650, 704°C) and a range of exposure times (0.5–300 h). Residual stress measurements on shot peened samples without thermal exposure were used as a basis for comparison. The relaxation of shot peened compressive residual stresses under purely thermal loading was examined. The residual stresses exhibited an initial rapid decrease on the surface and in the depth at both temperatures. However, continued thermal exposure produced little or no change in surface residual stresses while peak compressive stresses in the depth continued to relax with time at both temperatures. In all cases of this study the retained peak compressive residual stress after thermal exposure was greater than 50 % of the baseline value.

Dynamic failure of metallic pyramidal truss core materials – Experiments and modeling

The quasi-static and dynamic compressive behavior of pyramidal truss cores made of 304 stainless steel were investigated using a combination of experimental techniques. Quasi-static tests were performed using a miniature loading stage while a Kolsky bar apparatus was used to investigate intermediate deformation rates. High deformation rates were examined using a light gas gun. Optical imaging of the sample deformation was performed in real time by means of high-speed photography. In this article, we provide a quantification of load-deformation response and associated failure modes across the sample as captured by high-speed photography. A finite element model is formulated and thorough simulations performed to understand the roles of material strain rate hardening and structural microinertia. Deformation modes were identified from acquired images, force-deformation histories and numerical modeling. Comparison between force-deformation histories under quasi-static and Kolsky bar loading reveals a moderate microinertia effect as manifested by a small increase in peak compressive stress. At high deformation rates, gas gun experiments, a totally different deformation mode is manifested with a major increase in peak compressive stress. In this case, the inertia associated to the bending and buckling of truss struts played a significant role. This effect appears to dominate the early truss core response because of two effects: (i) the propagation of a plastic wave along the truss members; (ii) buckling induced lateral motion. These findings are consistent with prior theoretical and computational work carried out by Vaughn et al. (2005) [Vaughn, D. Canning, M., Hutchinson, J.W., 2005. Coupled plastic wave propagation and column buckling. Journal of Applied Mechanics 72 (1), 1–8]. At larger deformations, the material strain rate hardening contribution to the total energy is as pronounced as the contribution arising from microinertia effect.

Computational Evaluation of the Effects of Bone Ingrowth on Bone Resorptive Remodeling after a Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty

In this study, we simulated a wide cortex separation from a cementless hip prosthesis using the bone resorption remodeling method that is based on the generation of high compressive stress around the distal cortical bone. Thereafter, we estimated the effect on late migration quantities of the hip prosthesis produced by the interface state arising from bone ingrowth. This was accomplished using cortical bone remodeling over a long period of time. Two-dimensional natural hip and implanted hip FEM models were constructed with each of the following interface statements between the bone and prosthesis: (1) non-fixation, (2) proximal 1/3, (3) proximal 2/3 and (4) full-fixation. The fixation interfaces in the fully and partially porous coated regions were rigidly fixed by bony ingrowth. The non-fixation model was constructed as a critical situation, with the fibrous or bony tissue not integrated at all into the implant surface. The daily load history was generated using the three loading cases of a one-legged stance as well as abduction and adduction motions. With the natural hip and one-legged stance, the peak compressive principal stresses were found to be under the criteria value for causing bone resorption, while no implant movement occurred. The migration magnitude of the stem of the proximal 1/3 fixation model with adduction motion was much higher, reaching 6%, 11%and 21%greater than those of the non-fixation, proximal 2/3 fixation and all-fixation models, respectively. The full-fixation model showed the lowest compressive principal stress and implant movement. Thus, we concluded that the late loosening and subsequent movement of the stem in the long term could be estimated with the cortical bone remodeling method based on a high compressive stress at the bone-implant interface. The change caused at the bone-prosthesis interface by bony or fibrous tissue ingrowth constituted the major factor in determining the extent of cortical bone resorption occurring with clinical loosening and subsequent implant movement.

A NEW APPARATUS TO SIMULATE ATHLETIC FIELD TRAFFIC: THE CADY TRAFFIC SIMULATOR

Realistic traffic simulation is crucial to the validity of athletic field research. Previously developed athletic field traffic simulators contain studded drums that turn at different speeds, creating shear forces at the playing surface. The Cady Traffic Simulator (CTS) (a modified walk‐behind core cultivation unit) was developed at Michigan State University in 2000. The objective of this study was to compare the magnitude and direction of the forces produced by two traffic simulators: the Brinkman Traffic Simulator (BTS), a pull‐behind unit, and the CTS. Both simulators were operated over an in‐ground force plate, which measured the forces in three directions: front to back, side to side, and vertical. The CTS produced a higher compressive stress and net shear stress when operated in either direction than the BTS. The average peak compressive stress produced by the feet of the CTS when operated in the forward direction was approximately 30 times higher than the combined compressive stresses of both BTS drums. The average peak net shear stress produced by the feet of the CTS when operated in the forward direction was approximately 15 times higher than the combined net shear stresses of both BTS drums. Operating in the reverse direction, the average peak compressive stress produced by the feet of the CTS was greater than five times the compressive stresses of both BTS drums combined. The average peak net shear stress produced by the feet of the CTS was approximately four times higher than the combined net shear stresses of both BTS drums.

Numerical Analysis of Three-Dimensional Cervical Behaviors in Posterior-Oblique Car Collisions Using 3-D Human Whole Body Finite Element Model

Whiplash injuries are most common disorders in rear-end car accidents, while the injury mechanism is yet unknown. Many numerical and experimental approaches have conducted to investigate the cervical behaviors with solely two-dimensional analyses in the sagittal plane. In real accidents, however, as impacts may affect several directions, the cervical behaviors should be evaluated three-dimensionally. Therefore, we evaluated the cervical behaviors under assumption of the posterior-oblique impacts depending on the impact angles with 3-D FE analysis. In addition, we analyzed the stresses occurred in the facet joints considering the relationship with a whiplash disorders. The cervical behaviors showed complex motion combined with axial torsion and lateral bending. The bending angle peaked in the impact at the angle of 15°, and the peak compressive and shear stress on the facet cartilage at C6-C7 increased by 11% and 14%. In the impact at the angle of 30°, the torsion angle peaked at C2-C3, the peak shear stress in the facet cartilage increased by 27%. It showed that the torsion and lateral bending affected the cervical behaviors, and caused the increase of peak stresses on the soft tissues. It is assumed as one of important causes of whiplash injury.

Tectonic and stratigraphic implications of the relative ages of venusian plains and wrinkle ridges

A major ongoing controversy concerns the style of crustal evolution on Venus. At one extreme is a directional model that proposes a sequence of depositional and deformational events that occur at specific times in the evolution of the crust and that are global in extent. At the other extreme is a model that argues for different ages of these events in different places on the planet. A test of the directional model is here focused on whether wrinkle ridges formed at a single time in the recorded crustal history of Venus. Where sets of wrinkle ridges intersect it commonly is possible to determine that one set is older than the other. Also, the deformation responsible for wrinkle ridges is, in places, clearly progressive with respect to stratigraphic material units. These observations are not consistent with a specific single time for the formation of wrinkle ridges within the stratigraphic sequence. Within an area including about 1 / 3 of the surface of Venus 15% of craters that are younger than regional plains are older than wrinkle ridges, 85% are younger than wrinkle ridges. Taking 750 myr as a reasonable mean age for the regional plains, this implies that the mean age of wrinkle ridges is ∼ 110 myr younger than the mean age of plains. Solomon et al. (1999, Science 286, 87) propose that the emplacement of a large volume of plains lava would lead to a major atmospheric temperature increase. Their model predicts thermal stresses in the lithosphere that, at shallow depth, would reach peak compressive stresses in about 100 myr, a number very similar to the time lag between plains emplacement and wrinkle ridge formation indicated by the crater data. The thermal compressive stresses responsible for wrinkle ridges would be maintained at a level sufficient to deform basalt for at least 100 myr and possibly for as long as 350 myr. These time intervals are not really short compared to the mean age of the plains. Finally, because wrinkle ridges are demonstrably younger than the plains they deform, they cannot be related to the processes that formed the plains and thus should not be used to define a “plains with wrinkle ridges” unit.

Synchrotron diffraction measurement of residual stresses in friction stir welded 5383‐H321 aluminium butt joints and their modification by fatigue cycling

ABSTRACTThis paper presents two‐dimensional information on the residual stresses in 8 mm 5383‐H321 aluminium plates joined by double pass (DP) friction stir welding (FSW). It considers the inherent variability in residual stress magnitudes along 0.5 m lengths of weld pass, and their modification under a sequence of applied fatigue loads. This represents one of a planned series of experiments aimed at illuminating the effects of fatigue cycling on residual stress fields. In this particular case, the magnitudes of the bending fatigue loads (R= 0.1) were chosen to correlate with the measured proof strengths of the weld metal (approximately 160 MPa) and the parent plate (approximately 260–270 MPa). In four‐point bend S–N tests at R= 0.1 on 40 mm wide FS welded specimens of this alloy and plate thickness, these peak stress levels correspond to lives of around 105 cycles and 107 cycles, respectively. Results from the work indicate that significant variability exists among welded plates in peak compressive stress magnitudes (a range of perhaps −50 MPa to −140 MPa), although peak tensile stresses were relatively low and more consistent (from around 0 to 30 MPa). Fatigue loading accentuates the peak‐to‐valley stress change and causes an overall translation of the stresses to become more positive. Peak tensile stresses increase several‐fold during fatigue cycling.

Evaluation of First Peak Stress in Axial Collapse of Circular Cylindrical Shell

In this paper, the elastoplastic nonlinear behavior of circular tubes subjected to statical axial compression is studied by using finite element method. In order to estimate the performance of compressive energy absorbtion for circular tubes, the effects of material and geometrical properties on first peak compressive stress o are investigated. From this study, it is found that the peak stressσ1 can be expressed as σ1/E≅f (t/R, (∂σ/∂e) σ=σ1/E), regardless of the stress-strain formulations. Here, t is the thickness, R is the radius of a tube, E is Young's modulus and (∂σ/∂e) σ=σ1 is the stress gradient at σ=σ1. Based on this fact, one can estimate the stress σ1 for the power law hardening material from the results of al for the material with the strain-hardening portion of stress-strain curve being a straight line.

Penetration of HSLA-100 steel with tungsten carbide spheres at striking velocities between 0.8 and 2.5 km/s

A 51 mm thick plate of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA-100) steel was impacted by 6.4 mm diameter tungsten carbide spheres traveling at velocities ranging from 0.8–2.5 km/s. The width and depth of the crater for each impact event are provided in tabulated form and graphed as a function of velocity. The impacts were simulated using an explicit Lagrangian finite element model. A residual stress map over a cross-section through the crater was also measured by the Contour Method for the 2.2 km/s impact. The predominant feature of the stress map was a peak compressive stress of 1100 MPa, which is 1.6 times the yield strength, centered approximately one crater diameter below the crater floor. Residual stresses in the as-received HSLA-100 plate were also measured and were used to evaluate the effect of initial stresses on the model prediction. Good agreement is shown between the numerical simulation of the impact event and the experimental data.

Residual stress modification by post-weld treatment and its beneficial effect on fatigue strength of welded structures

High tensile weld residual stress is one important factor contributing to fatigue crack development even under reversal or compressive cyclic loadings. A compressive stress induced by post-weld treatment is beneficial by eliminating the tensile residual stresses and generating compressive residual stresses, which improves fatigue strength of welded structures. A study is underway to characterize the magnitude and subsurface distribution of residual stresses produced by post-weld treatments, particularly by Ultrasonic Impact Treatment (UIT), and to establish the post-weld treatment effect on fatigue resistance. Two post-weld treatments, UIT and shot peening, are involved in the present study. Internal stresses were investigated on three base metal samples treated by UIT and shot peening and on one welded sample treated by UIT through neutron diffraction and X-ray diffraction techniques. This paper presents the experimental conditions and the results of these stress measurements. It is revealed that the peak compressive residual stress induced by both treatments exceeded the yield stress of the base material near the sample surface. The depth of compressive stress layer in base metal was 1.5–1.7 mm for UIT and ~0.8 mm for shot peening. The induced compressive residual stresses benefit to increase the threshold value of stress intensity factor range, Δ K th, for fatigue crack initiation and early propagation. The effect of residual stresses modification on fatigue strength is discussed based on fracture mechanics model and verified by fatigue test results of large-scale welded beams.

Hard turning versus grinding—the effect of process-induced residual stress on rolling contact

Compared with grinding, hard turning may induce a relatively deep compressive residual stress while still achieving an equivalent surface finish. Although it is generally agreed that deep compressive residual stresses are beneficial to component life in rolling contact, the interactions between the residual stress profile, applied load, and surface material are poorly understood at present. With the input of process-induced residual stress profile instead of one point “surface” residual stress, a simulation model of rolling contact for hard-machined components has been developed by directly modeling the interaction between the roller and the machined surface, rather than moving the assumed Hertzian pressure and tangential surface traction across the surface of the traditional method. The equivalent plastic strain could characterize relative fatigue damage under the influence of process-induced residual stress. The slope of a compressive residual stress profile as well as its depth were identified as key factors for rolling contact fatigue damage. Rolling contact tend to reduce the initial compressive residual stress. The predicted residual stress pattern and magnitude agree with the test data in general. The increase of friction dramatically increases the magnitude of peak compressive residual stress but not its location. The normal load shifts the location of peak compressive residual stress much deeper below the surface.

Stress and strain distribution in the intact canine femur: finite element analysis

Information regarding the stresses and strains in the canine femur during various activities is important for veterinary orthopaedic surgeons, engineers designing implants for dogs, and researchers of human orthopaedics who use dogs as models. Nevertheless, such information is currently unavailable. The objective of this study is to determine the stress and strain distribution in the canine femur during mid-stance, for two loading scenarios. Three-dimensional finite element models of the canine femur were created. Two loading cases were considered: the hip joint reaction force alone, and the hip joint reaction force with all muscle forces acting on the femur. Force directions and magnitudes were obtained from the literature. Analyses were performed with NASTRAN for Windows® software. When all muscle forces were considered, stresses and strains were significantly reduced, peak compressive stresses were found to occur in the medial diaphysis, and peak tensile stresses occurred in the lateral diaphysis. While the canine femur seems to be loaded primarily in bending when only the hip joint reaction force is considered, the bending moment is significantly decreased when all muscle forces are considered as well. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments are needed to validate the results of the calculations described in this paper. It is expected that future studies will be carried out, in which the stress and strain distributions in femora with different types of implants and stems will be compared to those in the normal femur.

Shock response of a glass-fiber-reinforced polymer composite

The present work describes the compression and release response of a glass-fiber-reinforced polyester composite (GRP) under shock loading to 20 GPa. Shock experiments in GRP were performed at Sandia National Laboratories and the US Army Research Laboratory. GRP is a heterogeneous material. The diagnostic measurements fluctuate beyond the precision of the experimental measurements but they do permit determination of an average response of the material at the end state. These experiments show that: (i) GRP deforms elastically in compression to at least 1.3 GPa; (ii) the deformation coordinates of shocked and re-shocked GRP lie on the deformation locus of initially shocked GRP to 4.3 GPa; (iii) and the release path of GRP shocked to varying magnitudes of stresses indicate that the GRP expands such that its density when stresses are released in the range of 3–5 GPa from a peak compressive stress of 9 GPa and above is lower than the initial density of GRP. Possible reasons for the observed lower density remain to be investigated.

Reduced bone formation and increased bone resorption: rational targets for the treatment of osteoporosis.

The net amount of bone lost during aging is determined by the difference between the amount of bone removed from the endocortical, trabecular and intracortical components of its endosteal (inner) envelope and formed beneath its periosteal (outer) envelope. Endosteal bone loss is determined by the remodeling rate (number of basic multicellular units, BMUs) and the negative balance (the difference between the volumes of bone resorbed and formed in each BMU). Bone loss already occurs in young adult women and men and is probably due to a decline in the volume of bone formed in each BMU. The rate of loss is slow because the remodeling rate is low in young adulthood. Bone loss accelerates in women at menopause because remodeling intensity increases and BMU balance becomes more negative as estrogen deficiency reduces osteoblast lifespan and increases osteoclast lifespan. The high remodeling rate also reduces the mineral content of bone tissue. The negative BMU balance results in trabecular thinning, disappearance and loss of connectivity, cortical thinning and increased intracortical porosity. These changes compromise the material and structural properties of bone while concurrent age-related subperiosteal bone formation increases the cross-sectional area (CSA) of bone partly offsetting endosteal bone loss and the loss of structural and material strength. Thus, treatments aimed at reducing the progression of bone fragility, and reversing it, should reduce activation frequency and so reduce the number of remodeling sites, reduce osteoclastic resorption in the BMU, and so reduce the volume of bone resorbed on each of the three components of the endosteal surface thereby reducing the progression of trabecular thinning, loss of connectivity, cortical thinning and porosity. If treatment also increases periosteal bone formation, the CSA of the whole bone and its cortical area will increase. If treatment also increases endosteal bone formation in the BMU, bone balance will be less negative, especially if resorption depth is reduced. This may produce thickening of trabeculae provided activation frequency is not too low. If treatment can increase de novo bone formation at quiescent endosteal surfaces, this will increase cortical and trabecular thickness, and reduce intracortical porosity. In this way, drugs directed at both the resorptive and formative aspects of remodeling, and bone modeling may (i) increase compressive and bending strength of cortical bone by increasing the diameter of the whole bone, its CSA and the distance the cortical mass is placed from the neutral long bone axis; (ii) maintain or increase peak compressive stress and peak strain in trabecular bone, preventing microcracks and buckling; and (iii) increase the material density of bone tissue, an effect that probably should not be permitted to reach a level which reduces resistance to microdamage accumulation and progression (toughness).

High Strain Compression Response of Affordable Woven Carbon/Epoxy Composites

This paper discusses the experimental study on the response of affordable plain and satin weave carbon/epoxy composite laminates subjected to high strain rate compression loading using a modified Compression Split Hopkinson’s Pressure Bar (SHPB). 37 layer laminates were manufactured using aerospace grade woven fabrics with SC-15 epoxy resin system utilizing Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion Molding (VARIM) approach. Samples were subjected to high strain rate compression loading at five different strain rates ranging from 17/s to 817/s in the in-plane as well as through-the-thickness directions using a modified SHPB that facilitates controlled single pulse loading of the sample. High strain rate response was compared with that of static compression. Optical microscopy was used to characterize the failure mechanisms. Results of the study indicate considerable increase in dynamic compression peak stress as compared to static loading, whereas the strain at peak stress was lower by 35-65%. Samples loaded through-the-thickness exhibit higher peak stresses as compared to those loaded in the in-plane direction.

Mechanical property of electrorheological fluid under step compression

Stepwise compression of electrorheological (ER) fluids based on zeolite and silicone oil under constant voltages was experimentally investigated. The difference between peak compressive stress and stable compressive stress obtained during the stepwise compression changed with the change of applied voltages and compressive strains. The decay ratio of compressive stress, which may depict the solidification level of ER fluids under external electric fields, decreased with the increase of electric field and compressive strains. Also both the peak compressive stress and the stable compressive stress were shown to be determined by the electric field under low applied voltages. With the increase of the applied voltage, ER fluids were shown to be described by the mechanics of compressing a continuous fluid. At a much stronger ER effect, a deviation from the prediction of the continuous media theory occurred, and structure strengthening of ER fluids by compression should be considered.