Parameter Identification of Rubber Isolators Using Frequency-Dependent Spring and Damper Coefficients

A model to describe the hysteresis damper character of rubber material is presented in this paper. It consists of a parallel spring and damper, whose coefficients change with vibration frequencies. In order to acquire these relations, the force decomposition is carried out according to some sine vibration measurement data about nonlinear forces changing with deformations of the rubber material. The nonlinear force is decomposed into a spring force and a damper force, which are represented by a frcquency-dependent spring and damper coefficient, respectively. Repeating this step for different measurements will give different coefficients corresponding to different frequencies. Then, application of a parameter identification method will provide the requested functions over frequency. Using those formulae, as an example, the dynamic character of a hollow shaft system supported by rubber rings is analyzed and the acceleration response curve in the centroid position is calculated. Comparisons with sine vibration experiments of the real system show a maximal inaccuracy of 8. 8 %. Application of this model and procedure can simplify the modeling and analysis of mechanical systems including rubber materials.