Finite element analysis of a rubber bushing considering rate and amplitude dependent effects

A cylindrical bushing subjected to a stationary cyclic load is analysed with emphasis on the amplitude and frequency dependent damping and modulus. The material parameters were determined from a dynamic shear test, in terms of a viscoelastic-elastoplastic model. Using an overlay of finite element meshes, the material model was implemented in a finite element model of the cylindrical bushing and subjected to a radial cyclic load. The calculated damping and stiffness for the bushing were verified with measured data from the actual bushing. Results show that the viscoelastic-elastoplastic model used can be made to represent the amplitude and frequency dependence seen in the two natural rubbers investigated in…