A visco-hyperelastic approach to modelling the constitutive behaviour of rubber

A visco-hyperelastic constitutive equation is proposed to describe the large-deformation response of incompressible rubber under high strain rates. The equation comprises two parts — a component with three parameters to characterise static hyperelastic behaviour, and another also with three parameters to define rate-sensitivity and strain history dependence. Relatively straightforward static and dynamic experimental techniques are employed to determine the six parameters in the constitutive relationship. Comparison of predictions based on the proposed model with experiments shows that it is able to aptly describe visco-hyperelastic behaviour of rubber-like materials under high strain rates. The material model is also used in a simulation of the three-dimensional dynamic response of a rubber pad to impact. Comparison with experimental results shows that there is good agreement with the simulation.