Finite element implementation of Gent-Gent hyperelastic model for swollen elastomers

Abstract

In this study, we conduct finite element implementation of a Gent-Gent hyperelastic model for swollen elastomers. To this end, an inhomogeneous field theory for swollen elastomers is extended using the Gent-Gent model, which includes the effects of limiting chain extensibility and the second strain-invariant. The extended theory is implemented into a commercial finite element package using a user-defined material subroutine. The accuracy of the implementation is verified by analyzing Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of swollen elastomers undergoing large deformations. Further, the inflation of a spherical balloon made of swollen elastomers is computed as an example. The results are verified with an analytical prediction and demonstrate the inflation behavior of swollen elastomers.