FE fracture analysis, using the integral J and tearing energy T parameters, of a natural rubber NR

Fracture of rubber-like materials under quasi-static loadings is of a great interest since the use of such materials has been widespread in many industrial applications. Thus, the aim of this work is to study the fracture behavior of a carbon-black filled natural rubber using the finite elements method. In the first step, we have identified a hyperelastic potential of the virgin material, using equibiaxial and pure shear tests, for the Finite Element (FE) calculations. In the second step, two numerical models with pre-cracked specimens, using Ansys software, are developed. The investigated parameters, based upon energy concepts, are carried out on Single Edge Notched in Tension and Pure Shear specimens. Finally, the evolution and the comparison of obtained results will be examined as a function of the integral J, of Rice, and the tearing energy T, of Rivlin and Thomas.

Automated summary

The study aims to investigate the fracture behavior of carbon-black filled natural rubber under quasi-static loadings using the finite elements method. Through experimentation on the hyperelastic potential of the virgin material and development of numerical models with pre-cracked specimens, the evolution and comparison of results based on energy concepts are examined.