A nonlinear plane strain finite element analysis for multilayer elastomeric bearings

摘要

The purpose of this paper is the prediction of the behaviour of multilayer elastomeric bearings by the finite element analysis. First, the finite element formulation of equilibrium equations of incompressible elasticity problem is presented. This approach is based on the modified potential energy taking into account the incompressibility. The linearized system obtained is solved by the Newton–Raphson iterative method with the total lagrangian formulation. A large plane strain element is developed for the analysis of elastomeric materials under large strain deformation. This element is then integrated into our software. After validating the plane strain element using examples with known exact solutions, an industrial case study made of laminated (metal-rubber) elastomeric component is examined. The stress distribution study is limited to the elastomeric layers, possible sources of crack appearance.