Author(s)

R. Johannknecht & S. Jerrams

Abstract

Accurate modelling of contact between rigid surfaces and rubber-like materials is inhibited by two factors. Often the strain energy functions employed in finite element software codes are either inadequate for a realistic specification of hyperelastic behaviour or the material data, determined from standard testing procedures cannot accurately predict complex forces and surface deformations. Also, in component assemblies and tests, contact between elastomers and surfaces that are considered to be rigid are influenced by adhesion between the two. It is reasonable to assume that the level of adhesion is affected by a number of parameters. The most significant are probably temperature, depth of indentation, rate of indentation, rubber hardness, surface finish of the rigid

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