Mechanical and acoustic performance prediction model for elastomers in different environmental conditions.

This study focuses on the constitutive model, including temperature and pressure effects, to investigate the dynamic, mechanical, and acoustic properties of elastomers in the frequency domain under different underwater conditions. The developed constitutive relation is based on the HavriliakNegami (H-N) model by implementing experimental Young's modulus data and using the Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) shift function for relaxation time calculation. The H-N model accurately captures the dynamic mechanical modulus for a wide range of frequencies for constant temperature and pressure based on measured dynamic mechanical thermal analysis data. Since the WLF shift function is related with the relaxation time for different temperatures and pressures, the proposed model represents a simple and accurate prediction of the dynamic modulus for varying external conditions. The relationship between Young's modulus and the acoustic properties of the rubber structure can be established by investigating the hydro-wave propagation process. The predictions from the proposed model are verified by comparing with mechanical and acoustic experimental data at different temperatures and pressures. Additionally, the parametric study is conducted to investigate the effect of H-N parameters on mechanical and acoustic properties of elastomer materials. The proposed model can be used to predict the mechanical and acoustic properties in different environmental conditions accurately. (C) 2018 Acoustical Society of America.