A note on a class of generalized neo-Hookean models for isotropic incompressible hyperelastic materials

In a recent paper in this journal by Anssari-Benam and Bucchi (2021), the authors have proposed a new two-parameter constitutive model for isotropic incompressible hyperelastic generalized neo-Hookean materials. The model reflects the limiting chain extensibility characteristic of non-Gaussian molecular models for rubber. A major contribution of Anssari-Benam and Bucchi (2021) is in showing that the model proposed there is superior to the well-known two-parameter Gent model when fitting with a large variety of experimental data for rubber for the homogeneous deformations of uniaxial, equi-biaxial and pure shear. Moreover, for all of these deformations, a fitting with data is achieved with a single set of values for the parameters with a narrow range of variation. In the present note, we establish a simple direct relation between the new model and the classical Gent model. The large body of research results on the mechanical behavior of rubber-like materials based on the latter model are thus readily applicable to the new model. Some other directions for widening the applicability of the new model are also suggested.

Automated summary

Anssari-Benam and Bucchi (2021) have proposed a new two-parameter constitutive model for isotropic incompressible hyperelastic generalized neo-Hookean materials that is superior to the well-known Gent model when fitting various experimental data for rubber. They also establish a simple direct relation between the new model and the classical Gent model, allowing for the application of existing research results on rubber-like materials to the new model.