Automatic generation of interpretable hyperelastic material models by symbolic regression

Abstract In this article, we present a new procedure to automatically generate interpretable hyperelastic material models. This approach is based on symbolic regression which represents an evolutionary algorithm searching for a mathematical model in the form of an algebraic expression. This results in a relatively simple model with good agreement to experimental data. By expressing the strain energy function in terms of its invariants or other parameters, it is possible to interpret the resulting algebraic formulation in a physical context. In addition, a direct implementation of the obtained algebraic equation for example into a finite element procedure is possible. For the validation of the proposed approach, benchmark tests on the basis of the generalized Mooney–Rivlin model are presented. In all these tests, the chosen ansatz can find the predefined models. Additionally, this method is applied to the multi‐axial loading data set of vulcanized rubber. Finally, a data set for a temperature‐dependent thermoplastic polyester elastomer is evaluated. In latter cases, good agreement with the experimental data is obtained.