Computational modelling of the stress-softening phenomenon of rubber-like materials under cyclic loading

When a rubber specimen is subjected to cyclic loading, not only non-linear behaviour but also damage-induced stress-softening phenomena (the Mullins effect) have been observed. Applications of a continuum damage mechanics model and Ogden and Roxburgh's pseudo-elastic model to describe the Mullins effect in elastomers have been considered. Both models together with Gao's elastic law were implemented to describe the mechanical behaviour of rubber-like materials including the stress-softening phenomenon. Two sets of experimental data (a simple tension test and a simple tension and pure shear test) are used to validate the constitutive models. Model parameters are estimated via an inverse technique. Computational results show that both constitutive models together with Gao's elastic law can describe the typical Mullins effect. From engineering point of view, the pseudo-elastic model has the advantages that (i) the model is simple and practical, since it considers that the stress-softening function is only activated on unloading or reloading paths, (ii) the model with a slight modification of the damage variable is very stable in finite element calculations, and (iii) the numerical results agree very well with experimental data in both simple tension and pure shear deformation. Two applications illustrate the capability of combining the pseudo-elastic model with Gao's elastic law in describing the Mullins effect. It is emphasized that both models are applicable to multiaxial states of stress and strain because both models are energy-based and not strain-based.