Having supplied precision elastomeric components for defence and aerospace

industries since the 1930’s, we like to think that we know a thing or two about
polymer applications.  To enable us to grow with the demands and developments of
materials technology, we have recently invested in Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis
software which combines our 150 years of “know how” with the latest analysis
methodologies.

Nonlinear FEA delivers cost saving through analysis prior to production, time saving
through analysis without the need for in-situ testing and analysis of product failures
to develop and improve designs.
There are generally two types of
analysis that are used: 2D
modelling and 3D modelling. 2D
modelling, such as axisymmetric
analysis, is typically used in seal
section analysis as increased mesh
density can be a爀漀orded without the
need to simulate the entire
revolved section. However, if the
loading conditions are likely to be
non-symmetrical, for example if
shaft eccentricity is an issue, then
3D modelling must be employed to
ensure the validity of the results.
(http://www.martins-rubber.co.uk//wp-
Analysis can then be further content/uploads/FEA-Graph.jpg)
subdivided into problems that require either linear or nonlinear methodologies to Typical nonlinear material test result vs a linear material
be employed. Linear analysis methodologies commonly included in 3D
CAD packages are far less complex and are not su　㈀cient for polymer analysis as
they naturally try to linearise the material behaviour. Polymers are inherently nonlinear and require specialised material models to allow for
their nonlinear stress-strain relationship and time/temperature dependent material properties. We have the expertise to cover both Static &
Dynamic scenario’s, geometric nonlinear scenario’s for large de㐀㨀ections or strain, material nonlinear scenario’s such as creep, plasticity,
viscoelasticity, hyperelasticity etc, and contact nonlinear scenario’s such as friction.

Simulating the behaviour of the unique material response of rubber is unlike standard linear analysis on materials such as steels, which
have well-de㜀㌀ned linear responses to strain. Using a linear material model on polymer data will typically over- or under-predict the response
of the material, and therefore highly specialised material models are needed to allow for a nonlinear stress-strain relationship and
temperature-dependent material properties, with specialist material testing required to feed the analysis models with fully representative
data. One typical material model is the Ogden strain energy function:

(http://www.martins-rubber.co.uk//wp-
content/uploads/FEA-equation.jpg)
Equation from Ogden’s hyperelastic material model

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Technical
The Ogden (http://www.martins-rubber.co.uk/technical/) Case Studies
model will allow for the nonlinear material response, (http://www.martins-rubber.co.uk/case-studies/)
leading to far more accurate analysis results. As a wordBlog (http://www.martins-rubber.co.uk/blog/)
of caution, using FAQ (http://www.ma
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material data from on-line sources is ill-advised as it is typically a best case scenario rather than a true representation of the material real
world response to stress-strain. This is particularly true when temperature is applied; there really is no alternative to testing the polymer
material under conditions that closely replicate the application conditions, and fully characterisePRODUCTS
its speci㜀㌀c responses. INDUSTRIES EXPERTISE
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) uses a system of points known as nodes, which make a grid called a mesh. This mesh contains the material and

NONLINEAR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

structural properties which de㜀㌀ne how the structure will react to certain loading conditions and must be borne out of accurate and
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representative material testing. Nodes are assigned at a certain mesh density throughout the material depending on the anticipated stress
levels of a particular area. Regions which are estimated to receive large amounts of stress usually have a higher node density than those
which experience little or no stress. FEA packages can automatically mesh entire 3D bodies, however, they are not clever enough (yet) to
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make a judgement as to where increased node density is required; it is not simply a case of uploading a model and applying the material
and loading conditions, which is where the skill and knowledge of the FE analyst is required.
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Fracture point of previously tested material

Fillets
Corners
Complex detail
High stress areas.
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A wide range of functions are available such as: Name*

Mass, volume, temperature

Strain energy, stress strain Email*
(http://www.martins-rubber.co.uk//wp-
Force, displacement, velocity, acceleration
content/uploads/FEA-Nodes.jpg)
Distribution of nodes within nonlinear Finite Element Question*
Multiple loading conditions which may be applied to a system to allow accurate
Analysis of rubber
replication of intended application such as:
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Point, pressure, thermal, gravity, and centrifugal static loads
Thermal loads from solution of heat transfer analysis
Enforced displacements

Results interpretation is where the skill of the analyst and knowledge of polymers
really comes into play; it is not simply a case of reviewing the analysis results against
the tested materialproperties, because whilst the results will provide the calculated
stress, deformation etc., it cannot account for the speci㜀㌀c requirements of polymer
design and manufacture. For example, whilst the predicted stress result maybe
within the materials ultimate tensile strength (UTS), it might be that repetitive
loading to a near UTS value will damage the polymer’s material structure, leading to
degradation of the material and ultimate failure of the part. Dynamic simulation of VISIT OUR
the anticipated results then gives a real insight into the likely articulation of a
product. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31UzLMIxL6A)
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Using our FEA software, we are able to advise whether a proposed design will
function to your design speci㜀㌀cations prior to manufacture or construction of a (http://monomer.co.uk/)
mould tool; this has potential for signi㜀㌀cant cost saving on new development
(http://www.martins-rubber.co.uk//wp-
projects.  We can also use the software in the case of product failure to help
content/uploads/FEA-Bellows.jpg)
determine what design modi㜀㌀cations are necessary to ensure the product will
Rubber bellows undergoing FEA analysis FEA of a rubb...
function as required on future variants. If you have a new design to verify, or an
existing application with a problem, contact our Technical team
(http://www.martins-rubber.co.uk/contact/) to see what we can do for you.

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