Macro–Microstatic Stiffness Prediction Model of Metal Rubber

• Published in: Advanced theory and simulations Vol. 4; no. 6
• Main Authors: Zhang, Chuanbing, Ao, Hongrui, Jiang, Hongyuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2021
• Subjects: mechanical properties; metal rubber; static stiffness
• ISSN: 2513-0390; 2513-0390
• DOI: 10.1002/adts.202100008

An accurate prediction to the macro–microstatic stiffness of metal rubber (MR) is necessary when introduced into the novel hybrid metal rubber‐bump foil bearings (HMR‐BFBs) as the supporting components. However, the deficiency in theoretical models describing the static stiffness limits MR's engineering applications. This study presents theoretical and experimental characterization for the mechanical properties of MR samples. The microstatic stiffness prediction models are proposed based on the radial and axial deformation mechanisms of helix wire units. The constitutive static stiffness model for predicting the macromechanical properties of MR samples is developed with consideration of the separation state, the sliding contact state, and the extrusion contact state between the metal wires based on the force interaction and the Coulomb friction. Moreover, an orthogonal experiment is designed, and subsequently the static stiffness tests of MR samples are carried out. Based on static stiffness tests, a semiempirical stiffness model with consideration of the material and process parameters, including the relative density of MR samples, the wire diameter, and the Young's modulus of metal wires is developed. Results show a good agreement between the theoretically predicted and experimental static stiffness of MR specimens with a correlation index R2 of 0.9692. The theoretical and experimental characterizations for the macro–microstatic stiffness of metal rubber samples are presented. The constitutive static stiffness model is developed with consideration of the separation state, the sliding contact state, and the extrusion contact state between the metal wires based on the force interaction and the Coulomb friction.