Title: Product-oriented material testing and FEA for hyperelastic suspension jounce bumper design

Authors: Kemal Caliskan, IIhan Konukseven, Y. Samim Unlusoy

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, 06531, Ankara, Turkey. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, 06531, Ankara, Turkey. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, 06531, Ankara, Turkey

Abstract: The basic problem in the finite element analysis of parts made of hyperelastic materials is the identification of mathematical material model coefficients. Furthermore, selection of a suitable mathematical hyperelastic material model may not be straightforward. In this study, a design methodology is presented for hyperelastic suspension jounce bumpers. The commonly used traditional trial-and-error method for jounce bumper design results in high mould costs for prototype production and prolongs the time required. The design methodology presented in this study involves a critical examination of material testing procedures, material model selection, and coefficient identification. The identified coefficients are verified through finite element analysis and actual test results.

Keywords: materials testing; finite element analysis; FEA; hyperelastic materials; elastomers; foam; material model coefficient identification; vehicle suspension; jounce bumper design; material model selection; modelling; jounce bumpers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDE.2010.040523

International Journal of Design Engineering, 2010 Vol.3 No.4, pp.374 - 391

Published online: 01 Jun 2011 *

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