A new constitutive equation for elastomers

Abstract

A new mathematical approach for quantifying the mechanical properties of elastomeric materials under biaxial loads is presented. Specific equations relating principal strains and principal true stresses for a homogeneous, isotropic, and elastic material are proposed that resemble the conventional Hooke's law of linear elasticity. The predicted stresses are compared to those from three different sets of experimental data and to stresses from three different theories based on Rivlin's work-of-deformation approach. The proposed approach is considered to be of benefit to design engineers involved in a broad range of rubber products.