In recent years, ozone cracking has been reported in rubber bearings. This cracking is thought to occur in areas where surface strain on the rubber bearing is high. Few studies have examined the relationship between surface strain and cracking in rubber bearings in detail. Therefore, this study investigated the surface strain of rubber bearings in detail using image measurement while varying their shear deformation. The results showed that the distribution pattern of surface strain changes depending on the magnitude of shear deformation. Furthermore, accelerated ozone aging tests on rubber bearings indicated that cracks occurred in areas with high surface strain. These findings are expected to be useful for inspecting rubber bearings.
