Equivalent Homogeneous FE Model for Elastomeric Bearings

Abstract

An “equivalent homogeneous, orthotropic” model that includes edge effects and an accompanying finite element analysis is presented for elastomeric bearings. The model is developed for three‐dimensional configurations with horizontal layers, and for linear, elastic, small deformation conditions. The equivalent homogeneous theory, in addition to capturing. the overall response characteristics of the layered elastomeric bearing system, approximately models the important edge effects, which occur at and near boundaries that cut the layers, and the stress concentrations at layer interfaces. The primary dependent variables for the theory have been selected such that the highest derivatives appearing in the strain energy function are first‐order, thus requiring only C° continuity of the finite element approximations. As a result, the finite element analysis is simple and computationally efficient. Numerical examples are presented to verify the theory and to illustrate potential applications of the analysis.