Numerically Efficient Method for Modeling Elastomeric Hysteresis

In this paper, we present a method for determining the force due to hysteresis in an elastomer to which a series of displacements has been applied. Beginning with the Preisach hysteresis model, we develop a method which is more general, but also computationally efficient, in order to predict the hysteretic force resulting from the past displacements applied to the elastomer. The model was tested by measuring the residual displacement of the midpoint of a silicone elastomer fiber following various applied displacements and comparing them to the value predicted by this model. The predicted results were found to be in reasonable agreement with the observed residual displacements.