Dynamic Compressive Behavior of EPDM Rubber Under Nearly Uniaxial Strain Conditions

Abstract

Dynamic compressive stress-strain curves for ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber at various strain rates under nearly uniaxial strain conditions have been determined with a pulse-shaped split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The resultant stress-strain curves exhibited significantly nonlinear behavior, with strong sensitivities to strain rates. The dynamic stresses in the EPDM rubber at certain strains under uniaxial strain conditions increased significantly as compared to those under uniaxial stress conditions. A strain-rate-dependent material model, including a strain-rate-sensitive term, has been developed through a strain-energy function for compressible Mooney-Rivlin hyperelastic solids. The model provided a good description of the compressive axial stress-strain response of the EPDM rubber at various strain rates under uniaxial strain conditions.