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Prediction of impact forces for shock-cushioning elastomer-pad design
S Goyal1, R G Larson, C J Aloisio
1Lucent Technologies Bell Laboratories, 600 Mountain Avenue, Rm. IB-212, Murray Hill, NJ 07974, USA. goyal@lucent.com
Biomedical Sciences Instrumentation
|January 6, 2001
Summary
This study predicts impact forces in elastomeric materials using a new theory based on material properties. This enables the rational design of effective shock-cushioning for footwear and portable equipment.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Polymer Physics
Background:
- Elastomeric materials are crucial for shock absorption in various applications.
- Predicting impact response in elastomers is complex due to their viscoelastic and nonlinear behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a predictive theory for impact forces and deflections in elastomeric materials.
- To enable the rational design of shock-cushioning components.
Main Methods:
- Drop tests were conducted using a mass impacting flat pads of various elastomeric materials.
- Impact forces and deflections were measured.
- A theory modeling elastomers as nonlinear neo-Hookean materials was employed, using only linear viscoelastic characteristics as input.
Main Results:
- The developed theory quantitatively predicts impact forces and deflections with no adjustable parameters.
- The theory demonstrates accuracy across various elastomers (polyurethanes, polynorbornene, PVCs).
- Predictions remain accurate over wide ranges of impact velocities, masses, temperatures, and pad thicknesses.
Conclusions:
- A robust, parameter-free theory accurately predicts elastomer impact behavior.
- This predictive capability facilitates the rational design of advanced shock-cushioning systems.
- Applications include improved footwear and protective components for portable equipment.