An Extended Tube-Model for Rubber Elasticity: Statistical-Mechanical Theory and Finite Element Implementation

Abstract A novel model of rubber elasticity—the extended tube-model—is introduced. The model considers the topological constraints as well as the limited chain extensibility of network chains in filled rubbers. It is supplied by a formulation suitable for an implementation into a finite element code. Homogeneous states of deformation are evaluated analytically to yield expressions required e.g., for parameter identification algorithms. Finally, large scale finite element computations compare the extended tube-model with experimental investigations and with the phenomenological strain energy function of the Yeoh-model. The extended tube-model can be considered as an interesting approach introducing physical considerations on the molecular scale into the formulation of the strain energy function which is on the other hand the starting point for the numerical realization on the structural level. Thus, the gap between physics and numerics is bridged. Nevertheless, this study reveals the importance of a proper parameter identification and adapted experiments.