Transversely isotropic cyclic stress-softening model for the Mullins effect

Abstract

This paper models stress softening during cyclic loading and unloading of an elastomer. The paper begins by remodelling the primary loading curve to include a softening function and goes on to derive nonlinear transversely isotropic constitutive equations for the elastic response, stress relaxation, residual strain and creep of residual strain. These ideas are combined with a transversely isotropic version of the Arruda-Boyce eight-chain model to develop a constitutive relation that is capable of accurately representing the Mullins effect during cyclic stress softening for a transversely isotropic, hyperelastic material, in particular, a carbon-filled rubber vulcanizate. © 2012 The Royal Society.