Development and validation of a dynamic simulation model with rubber bushings

Damping elements made of elastomers are commonly used in dynamic systems such as vehicles or centrifuges. Numerical simulation methods, particularly multi-body simulation (MBS), are employed to predict loads and kinematic quantities in these technical systems. This requires knowledge of mass, damping and stiffness properties. Therefore, accurately mod-eling elastomer components is essential for achieving high prediction accuracy. However, the complex and extremely non-linear material behavior of elastomers [1] demands material models capable of replicating these mechanical proper-ties. In addition, one-dimensional models may not suffice for modeling damping elements under multi-axial loading [2,3]. To enhance the prediction accuracy of MBS by incorporating these nonlinearities, the first step is to establish an MBS model for the dynamic system, using a laboratory centrifuge as an example. This forms the basis for gradually increasing the modeling depth, starting from a simple rheological model with the objective of substituting it with a physically-motivated material model. Material and component tests are conducted to determine the dynamic properties of two vari-ants of rubber bushings. For validation, a run-up of the test centrifuge is experimentally investigated and compared with the simulation results.