Numerical Simulation of the Loading Tests of Laminated Rubber Bearings

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is develop the evaluation method for mechanical properties of laminated rubber bearings. We use nonlinear finite element method considering the volumetric deformation of natural rubber material. Relationship between pressure and volumetric strain of the natural rubber is obtained from volumetric tests and is introduced into user-subroutine of finite element code. Simulations of natural rubber bearing of different geometric shapes are conducted. Effects of finite element mesh and compressibility of rubber material on simulated results are investigated. Horizontal and vertical stiffness by numerical calculations are simulated with enough accuracy. Vertical deformation caused by shear deformation and vertical stiffness with static offset shear strain is also simulated well.