Observation and modeling of the anisotropic visco-hyperelastic behavior of a rubberlike material

The visco-hyperelastic behavior of a filled rubberlike material has been studied experimentally by large deformation cyclic uniaxial loadings, and an anisotropy induced by the Mullins effect has been demonstrated. By applying a generalized Maxwell model to a set of material directions, damage could be included in order to reproduce the stress softening due to the Mullins effect. This induces also an anisotropic mechanical response, and the model compares favorably with the experimental measures. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.