Characterization and implementation of the viscoelastic properties of an EPDM rubber into FEA for energy loss prediction

Abstract

This paper investigates the efficiency of different generalized Maxwell models based on DMTA measurements in predicting the amount of dissipated energy. Generalized Maxwell models combined with Mooney-Rivlin model have been used to describe the material behaviour of the studied EPDM 75 IRH rubber. For verifying the material models FE simulations were carried out. It can be concluded that the 15-term generalized Maxwell model produces inaccurate results. Improving the material model to 40-term the simulations show a small underestimation of the energy loss in the lower frequency range. Using 40-term Maxwell model fitted to the loss factor, the underestimation is reduced.