ABSTRACT
The Mullins effect is discussed together with a physically-based model for it. Referring to data for a wide range of strain levels and frequencies, linear and non-linear models of various types are developed for steady behaviour. Models for steady behaviour are assessed comparatively for overall resemblance to experimental single axis data for a heavily-filled elastomeric material over a wide range of strain levels and frequencies. Cyclic softening and steady behaviour for multi-axis deformation of the material are also described. Most practical elastomeric materials include carbon black and/or other filler – often at significant concentrations and for a variety of reasons. A good mathematical model for the dynamic mechanical behaviour of such a material should, in authors view, simultaneously account for many aspects of the rather complex and even perplexing behaviour. In contrast, many modelling attempts focus on few aspects of behaviour.
