evaluate Solidworks Simulation nonlinear analysis module for evaluation of assemblies with rubber parts

1. SOLIDWORKS NONLINEAR FEA
ANALYSIS OF AN
ELASTOMERIC MATERIAL
SIMPLE TEST CASE
8/8/2013
Don Blanchet
3B Associates
dwb3298@verizon.net
Sample
parts

2. GOALS
 Demonstrate the use of Solidworks
Simulation 2012 Non-linear module.
 Apply a displacement boundary condition
and calculate the reaction load produced
by rubber compression.
 Show the hydraulic behavior of the
silicone rubber , Poisson’s ratio = 0.495

3. Model – stack up case
aluminum
Silicone rubber
2.0 x 2.0 x 2.5 inches
0.5
Thick
5 pieces

4. Boundary Conditions
Forced displacement +Z =.075
fixed
roller surfaces
Aluminum
edges

5. FEA model
 500 step displacement equilibrium
iterations.
 Achieve Stability at each solution step for
the very flexible rubber with nonlinear
behavior.
 If the solution diverges try a smaller step
size.
 Considerable compute resources may be
required.

6. Metal vs. Elastomer
1
10
100
1000
10000
100000
0 50 100 150 200 250
STRESS,psi
STRAIN , PERCENT
Typical Stress Strain Curves
RUBBER ALUMINUM
Elastomers
Exhibit property variation
With
Temperature and
Strain application rate

7. Elastomer nonlinear elastic
modulus at room temperature
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
0 50 100 150 200 250
STRESS,psi
STRAIN , PERCENT
Typical Stress Strain Curve for rubber
This data
Is often
Difficult to obtain
Considered vendor
Proprietary in
many cases

8. Displacement results
Forced displacement +Z =.075

9. Stress results

10. Reaction force at base
167 lbs

11. Displacement results
Rubber
Hydraulic
Bulge deformation

12. Forced Displacement

13. Conclusion
 Solidworks Simulation 2012 Nonlinear
module is effective for static analysis
of assemblies with rubber
components.