On the variation of the experimental shear modulus of elastomers

Abstract

Shear modulus is a fundamental property independent of test piece geometry. It is therefore one of the very important properties influencing the design of rubber engineering components such as seismic rubber bearings, bushes and vibration isolators. Unfortunately it has been observed that the measured sheared modulus shows a variation even for a similar rubber compound. This paper discusses factors such as Mullin's effect, shape factor, compressive load, temperature increment and the compliance of the testing jig and machine that could influence the final measured shear modulus. The results of both the scaled down test pieces and real size components will be discussed. In addition the shear modulus results obtained from the finite element analysis study are also presented.