Determination of the viscoelastic properties of elastomeric materials by the dynamic indentation method

Abstract

In this paper the dynamic indentation test method, which is not often used, is discussed. The goal of the paper is to consider the possibility of applying a dynamic indentation test method to investigate rubber materials. The basic equations for the determination of the viscoelastic characteristics of a material are presented and the experimental set-up is described. The Kelvin-Voigt model is used to describe the characteristics of a material. Experimental and theoretical curves for velocity, force and penetration in the indentation process are compared for rubbers with different hardness. A semi-empirical relationship between the Shore hardness and the rigidity c was derived. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.