Jorgen
2007-08-28, 22:01
H.J. Qi and M.C. Boyce recently published a new paper ["Constitutive model for stretch induced-induced softening of the stress-stretch behavior of elastomeric materials", J. Mech. Phys. Solids, 52 (2004), 2187] presenting a new model for predicting the Mullins effect in rubber. Their model considers the microstructure of the rubber to consist of two phases: hard domains and soft domains. During the first few load cycles the material reorganizes itself -- with a corresponding transfer from hard domains to soft domains. The model implementation is using some of my previous work related to filled elastomers; so I find their model for Mullins effect particularly interesting.
It is also interesting to note that there are now at least two advanced models for predicting the Mullins effect in rubbers:
* The Ogden-Roxburgh model, that is currently available in ABAQUS,
* The new Qi-Boyce model.
Future studies will indicate which of these two, or perhaps some other model, will be most effective at predicting Mullins effect in rubbers.
It is also interesting to note that there are now at least two advanced models for predicting the Mullins effect in rubbers:
* The Ogden-Roxburgh model, that is currently available in ABAQUS,
* The new Qi-Boyce model.
Future studies will indicate which of these two, or perhaps some other model, will be most effective at predicting Mullins effect in rubbers.