ABSTRACT
The accuracy and efficiency of the explicit integration in the quasi-static analysis of rubber is investigated. In particular, boundary value problems with varying degree of confinement are analyzed with both implicit and explicit time integration. As an example of a lightly constrained problem uniaxial stretch of a rubber plate with a central hole is considered. As an example of a highly constrained problem the hole is replaced by a crack. For all problems, the rubber density and the loading velocity are varied in order to determine the transition from quasi-static to dynamic state. Dependence of the predictions on the compressibility of rubber and the magnitude of the applied load are evaluated.
The conclusions may be used as a guidance in quasi-static analysis and fatigue life prediction of real applications such as seismic isolators, bearings and engine mounts.
