Numerical and Experimental Evaluation of Hyperelastic Material Parameters

Abstract

Hyperelastic materials are playing a vital role in hydraulic and pneumatic applications in the automotive industry and acts as a sealing element. Typical hyperelastic sealing elements are O-Rings, gaskets and lip seals, which are used in hydraulic and pneumatic braking systems in passenger car, light commercial and heavy commercial vehicles. If the sealing is not properly done, the efficiency and performance of the system will come down significantly. Since the hyperelastic materials are highly nonlinear, it is very difficult to predict the behaviour like sealing pressure and strain in the classical method. The behaviour of the hyperelastic material can be predicted using a numerical method called finite element analysis. The behaviour is purely based on the type of hyperelastic material model and number of material parameters. This research work will describe the material model and selection of material parameters based on the experimental study. Also, it will describe the sealing behaviour of the gasket which is used in automotive applications.