Viscoelastic Modelling and Parameter Identification of Elastomer under Dynamic Excitation

Abstract

This research aims to model the dynamic properties of carbon black filled rubber under dynamic loads and find the parameters of the model. The models used included the Generalized Maxwell Model (GMM) and Generalized Fractional Derivative Maxwell Model (GFDMM). The research methodology used the experimental data of the dynamic preload test properties and data using dynamic excitation at constant amplitude throughout the frequency range 0–100 Hz. Parameters for both models was then found through curve fitting using the MATLAB program. The research found that GMM provided good results throughout the frequency range between 0–100 Hz., while the GFDMM also gave as good simulation results as GMM. Increasing the model elements provided better results but the GFDMM required less elements than the GMM. It can be concluded that both models can simulate the dynamic properties of carbon black filled rubber within and beyond that frequency range depending on the number of model elements.