ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: A constitutive model for filled elastomers is developed by combining the framework of the Dynamic Flocculation Model (DFM) (Klüppel 2003) and the continuum damage model (Govindjee & Simo 1991). The model extends the previously proposed micro-mechanical formulation describing both the polymerfiller network damage and the induced filler breakage (Darabi, Itskov, & Klüppel 2016). Deformation induces damage both in the network rubbery matrix and inside the filler aggregates. This leads to the evolution of the probability density function of the number of segments and the filler size, which, in turn, causes the stress softening and the Mullins effect. These effects result in the hydrodynamic strain amplification being the major topic of this work. The model is capable of describing the deformation induced anisotropy as well as permanent set and includes a few number of physically motivated material constants characterizing the average filler cluster dimension, filler-filler and filler-matrix interaction properties.
