Determination of Dynamic Material Properties of Silicone Rubber Using One-Point Measurements and Finite Element Simulations

The dynamic Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and the damping factor of silicone rubber are determined from a laser triangulation measurement of the top surface motion of a flat cylindrical sample excited by a shaker. These material parameters are estimated on the basis of an Inverse Method that minimizes the difference between measured data and a prediction from a finite-element model (FEM), in which the sought-after material data are the adjustable parameters. The results are presented for measurements within the 10-400-Hz frequency range under atmospheric pressure and temperature conditions. At first, the measured data are compared with FEM predictions using constant material parameters to show the material behavior in principle. Afterward, the frequency dependence of the moduli and Poisson's ratios are determined by matching measurements with simulations within small frequency ranges. Finally, the material parameters determined are given as functions versus frequency. A sensitivity analysis shows the accuracy of the presented method. This paper is motivated by the need for a precise description of vocal fold models, commonly manufactured from silicone rubber.