Axisymmetric Finite Element Study for Elastomeric Composites

The research presented in this paper is concerned with the development of a linear composite theory, as well as a finite element computer program, for layered elastomeric solids of revolution. The range of application of this program includes axisymmetrically loaded horizontal, vertical, conical, and spherical layered axisymmetric systems. A multiscale theory is used in the development of the composite theory. Only continuity of the field variables (but not their derivatives) is required for the resulting finite element analysis, thus permitting the use of simple C° elements as opposed to the requirements for the more complicated theories presented in the past. Four-node isoparametric elements are used for the applications reported herein. The current development is limited to linear conditions, however, the analysis can be extended to large deflections and deformations, and nonlinear behavior of the elastomer by using techniques presented in a recently published paper describing a nonlinear composite theory for horizontally layered bearings. Several numerical examples are presented and compared to discrete and previously obtained composite analyses.