DIRECTION-DEPENDENT AND MULTIAXIAL STRESS-SOFTENING BEHAVIOR OF CARBON BLACK–FILLED RUBBER

ABSTRACT The mechanical behavior of filled rubbers depends on the maximum stretch previously reached and consequently on the induced stress softening. This softening effect is referred to as the Mullins effect. Current investigations point out that the Mullins effect exhibits a significant directional dependence, which calls for an anisotropic material model. But for the formulation and validation of anisotropic material models, there is still a lack of suitable experimental data. For this the purpose, experiments based on chloroprene rubber (CR) are reported. To trace the anisotropic Mullins effect, the standard test method for characterization of the isotropic mechanical behavior must be extended. The appropriate type of specimen enables us to perform multiple load steps with alternating load directions. After repeated stretching in the same direction, a subsequent first uniaxial loading in any other direction is characterized by a stiffer stress–strain behavior compared with the stabilized curve of the previous primary load. Hence, the experimental results confirm the deformation-induced anisotropy. To identify the multiaxial material behavior after the prestretching in one direction, a biaxial tensile-testing machine is developed. A specific property of the biaxial tensile-testing machine is the independent control of both the loading axes. Thus, the rubber material can be subjected to arbitrary loading histories. Therefore, a cross-shaped specimen with four arms is used. Multiple slits parallel to the sides on each arm ensures the homogenous uniaxial load condition in the primary load. In the secondary load step, the loading axis, which was previously inactive, is moved in a uniform manner as the master axis or in any arbitrary defined ratio. The experimental results confirm the deformation-induced anisotropy of the Mullins effect. In summary, the material behavior significantly results from the deformation mode and the loading direction applied in the loading history.