A nonlinear constitutive audio frequency magneto-sensitive rubber model including amplitude, frequency and magnetic field dependence

A novel constitutive model of magneto-sensitive rubber in the audible frequency range is presented. Characteristics inherent to magneto-sensitive rubber within this dynamic regime are defined: magnetic sensitivity, amplitude dependence, elasticity and viscoelasticity. Prior to creating the model assumptions based on experimental observations concerning these components are formulated. The first observation is that not only does the rubber display a strong amplitude dependence even for small strains, but also the magnetic sensitivity is strongly amplitude dependent. The second and third are, respectively, that the elastic component is magneto-sensitive, whereas the viscoelastic dependence on magnetic induction appears to be small. Thus, the model is developed from these assumptions and parameters are optimized with respect to experimental values for one case and subsequently validated for others; a very good agreement is obtained. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.