Dynamic Properties of Elastomers

Abstract The large volume uses of rubber involve its cushioning, quieting, vibration-energy absorbing and isolating characteristics. Applications such as tires, belts, and engine mounts employ rubber under conditions of rapidly repeated deformations which are relatively small compared to ultimate breaking values. Although ultimate values and fatigue tests are important as criteria of quality, they are of no assistance to the engineer, designer or technologist for anticipating the response of his product to the forces experienced in service. To fill this need, there has grown up a body of technical and scientific methods, data, and principles usually referred to as the field of dynamic properties. The term dynamic properties as applied to elastomers usually means vibration properties which are displayed in response to sinusoidal forces. But restriction to sinusoidal forces is unduly narrow. In principle, both theory and experiment can be extended to more complex force patterns, such as square or saw tooth ...