On the Characterization of Engineered Elastomers At High Strain Rates

The main objective of this research was to develop a methodology for the characterization and modelling of elastomers that were subject to high-strain rate. Four aspects of the problem were accordingly examined. The first aspect of the study was dedicated to the comparison of constitutive equations to numerically model elastomers. The second aspect revolved around the testing of elastomers under dynamic loading. For this purpose, a Kolsky Bar was designed and constructed to test soft, flexible materials. The third aspect of the work dealt with the numerical modelling of the developed testing apparatus. Finite element methodology was used to optimize the testing parameters and validate the modified Kolsky Bar apparatus. Finally, the methodology developed to characterize the response of elastomers under high-strain rate loadings was employed to study two unique engineering materials. The developed approach should help engineers and designers in developing new systems in dynamic application with elastomer.