Applicability and temperature dependence of different constitutive models for rubber materials used in seismic isolation bearings at low temperatures

To investigate the applicability and temperature dependence of several commonly used constitutive models of rubber materials for seismic isolation bearings in our country at low temperatures, uniaxial tensile tests are conducted on four different formulations of rubber materials used in seismic isolation bearings. These tests are performed at temperatures ranging from 23 degrees C to-60 degrees C. The material parameters of seven constitutive models are determined using the least squares fitting method, and their suitability at low temperatures is analyzed. Additionally, ABAQUS software is employed to conduct uniaxial tensile simulations of the four rubber materials at various temperatures, aiming to verify parameter accuracy and assess model convergence for each constitutive model. The results demonstrate that the Yeoh model exhibits superior stability and computational accuracy compared to other constitutive models at temperatures ranging from 23 degrees C to-40 degrees C. However, at-60 degrees C, the rubber material undergoes complete solidification, and none of the seven constitutive models considered in this study accurately capture its mechanical characteristics. Consequently, by investigating the temperature dependency of the Yeoh model, this study proposes a functional expression incorporating temperature effects. This expression enables the predicting of mechanical properties for rubber materials with similar shear modulus at different temperatures.