2010 3rd International Conference on Advanced Computer Theory and Engineering(lCACTE)

Study Mechanical Characteristic of Rubber Components Based on ABAQUS

ZHANG Ping-hao HE Shao-hua WU Xin-yue

Naval University of Engineering Naval University of Engineering Naval University of Engineering
Wu-Han, China Wu-Han, China Wu-Han, China
85106639@qq.com shaohua@163.com xinyue@hotmail.com

Abstract-Stress size and distribution of the rubber generalized coordinates in ABAQUS as the center of mass
components have been calculated by ABAQUS of rubber-metal of rigid body. As a result of non-independent generalized
coupling work in different speed and torque. An approximate coordinates, the system dynamic equation has the maximum
quadratic curve has been found to suit the relationship
number, but it is highly sparse coupled differential-algebraic
between the speed and the stress under two different
equation such as: [Jf
conditions. A solid foundation has been established to assess
the rubber-metal coupling lifetime and failure form. The F = Rll'I + Au.' = R + A(llli' + ' B i) (1)
results also imposed as the initial conditions on the rubber Where Ro, is position vector of origin in dynamic
components. It provides an important safeguard for the exact coordinate system 0', A is circumrotate transform matrix in
model establishment of the dynamic response analysis.
dynamic reference system relative to inertial frame. u' is
Keywords-component: Rubber; stress; ABAQUS
position vector of P point in dynamic coordinate system, it's
I. INTRODUCTION added by the position vector Uo' and the position vector Ufo

Rubber-metal coupling is an important device to reduce

vibration and noise in naval ships. It is installed between
reducer gearbox and main power device tail-shaft. Structure
of rubber-metal coupling was shown in Fig.I. Its main
components included: outer tub wheel, inner tub wheel,
driven wheel, a driving wheel, gear coupling, wheel hub,
rubber-metal rings, and sprocket and so on. The rubber­
metal rings were main noise and vibration reduction
components. They were constituted by two steel wheels,
connected by high-strength chlorinated butyl rubber (CR).
As the rubber stiffuess, strength, physical and chemical
stability and so on are much lower than the metal material,
the rubber-metal coupling failure occurs mainly on the
elastic rubber components in most conditions. Rubber main
failure forms such as: the overall fragmentation, corrosion
spalling, degumming, local crack, creep, elastic performance Figure I. Main components CAD model
degradation (stiffness changed greatly), etc., which cracks is
the most common failure mode about rubber-metal
components. In addition, the bonding surface stripping is
another important failure mode. Size and distribution of
stress have the great significance in the study of rubber­
metal components failure modes and lifetime by the failure
mechanism analysis. In this paper, numerical calculations of
stress size and distribution at different torque and speed have
been done. It had laid a solid foundation to assess the
rubber-metal coupling lifetime and failure mode. The results
also imposed as the initial conditions on the rubber-metal
coupling FEA model. This way has provided an important
safeguard for the foundation of exact vibration model.
Figure 2. A point in flexible body
II. MULTI-BODY DYNAMICS MODELING B. Modal analytical method
The essential of structural dynamics is to disperse
A. Multi-body dynamics theory
vibration question of flexible continuum to vibration
The object of multi-body dynamics is generally more
question of DOF system which has generalized coordinate
complex multi-body system, its structure and connections
for limited displacement. The 2nd order differential equation
are also varied and the dynamic equations are mostly high
of DOF linear time-invariant system like this:
order nonlinear equations. Rigid Cartesian coordinate
[M] {x"(t)} + [K] {x(t)} {f(t)}
= (2)
system and reflect the orientation of the Euler angles as

978-1-4244-6542-2/$26.00 © 2010 IEEE V5-133

 2010 3rd International Conference on Advanced Computer Theory and Engineering(ICACTE)

Where {x(t)} is displacement vector, {£rt)} is stimulate as a result of Boolean operations, the thickness of the model
vector, [M] is mass matrix, and [K] is rigidity matrix. should be slightly increased in order to ensure consistent
M = f I
f pN T NdV
part quality and design quality. Mooney-Rivlin model used
as the rubber material parameter, C10 as 0.4825, CO I as
Ve
0.1206, density of 1230 kg/m3, Shore hardness of 60.
e ""
(3)

K = f f PB T DBdV
e=l
(4)
Where p is density, N is element shape function that
has relation with element type. B=LN, L is element
character length , D is elasticity matrix which confirmed by
elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio
The system modal parameter and response could
unwind base on the characteristic class. Modal parameter is
one type of form of linear time-invariant system. It is an
efficiency approach that using the computer which has the
powerful matrix operation ability to calculate differential
equation of eigenvalue question.
C. Multi-body dynamic simulation model
Dynamic substructure method can use fewer degrees of
freedom to characterize the sub-structure characteristics
when the FEM transforms continuous dynamics system to Figure 3. Define kinesthesia

multi-DOF dynamics system. With substructure method of

large structures dynamic analysis, the flexible body seen as
a sub-structure, to connect flexible bodies and other
components with the substructure synthesis method. It's the
more appropriate method to solve multi-body dynamics
analysis by combining the FEM and MSS. MNF (Modal
Neutral File) modal neutral file establish flexible body has
been used in ADAMS. To discrete components into small
network by FEA software is the first step in this method,
then save the calculated modal as the MNF file, and read
2
directly in ADAMS to create a flexible body [ l.This method
need different large programs, and the period of modeling is
much longer, the MNF comes forth some unavoidable
information loose. ABAQUS provides Multi-body dynamic
simulation module, it could solve the Multi-body dynamic
model better in the same program. 'f
/) Topology modeling Figure 4. Define kinesthesia coupling restriction

Rubber-metal coupling structure is shown in Figure 1. In II) System boundary conditions

order to facilitate bear movement and constraints in
ABAQUS, the components has been synthesized as an
entity through Boolean component in the UGs as the two­
rotor system model. There are three parts namely: left is the
drive rotor such as; inner tub wheel, driven wheel, a driving
wheel, gear coupling, wheel hub, sprocket and so on; right is
the driven rotor such as outer tub wheel; middle is the
damping rubber-metal devices.
Gaps between driven wheel, driving wheel, and gear
coupling will not produce relative motion because the
meshing teeth entered into the stable phase in the process
after the first shaft turning. Although driving wheel and
driven wheel's lower natural frequency by the modal
analysis, they were installed on inner tub wheel an wheel
hub which have the higher first order modal frequency at the
topology modeling sight. Meanwhile elastic modulus of the
three components is greater than rubber parts, so modeling
as a rigid body is appropriate. Elastic modulus is 2.1 x 1011
2
N/m , density 7800 kg/m3, Poisson's ratio is 0.3. Note that
a) Define kinesthesia
According to the actual rubber-metal flexible coupling
movement, the kinesthesia simplified to ideal constraints in
ABAQUS shown in Fig.3, RP-2 is a rigid body reference
point for inner tub wheel, and RP-3 is a rigid body reference
point for outer tub wheel. Defined kinesthesia on the
rotating drum, the RP-l and RP-2 to be connecting into the
formation HINGE motion pair, all six DOF of RP-l binding,
torque and rotate speed applied on RP-2 movement coupling
constraints were established with inner and outer tub wheel
on rubber components in the 36 groups, shown in Fig.4,
outer nodes of rubber ring were bond with RP-2 by
movement coupling, inner nodes of rubber ring were bond
with RP-3 by movement coupling.
Currently a single component modal analysis
technology is very mature, while complex structure assembly
connection issues (such as bolts, gears, bearings coupling,
etc.), have not been well resolved. Previous studies of the ID
element were used to simulate connection parts. As the

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connection surfaces are more and the shapes are more existence of structural thrust bearing suspension without
complex in large and complex structure, accuracy could not considering the axial load, while simulation is stable under
be guaranteed by those simple link units. The following conditions of speed and load, nodes along the z axis stress
approaches used in coupling assembly method, simple and distributions keep the same size.
quick with the advanced analysis efficiency. And the validity
and accuracy were verified through testing. [3]
The main role of the bolts connection is to hold two
parts tightness. The rigidity matrix [K] and mass matrix [M]
should remain unchanged in the FE modal analysis, to ensure
calculated results close to the real working conditions. Bolts
link disposal approaches generally divided into two kinds:
one is to use beam element simulation, but this approach
don't solve the problem of coupling pieces intervene in the
seam, which inconsistent with the actual situation. Get [K] is
too small, [M] is in line with the actual situation, so results of
the modal frequency value is too small. Another is
coinciding. When the elastic modulus and mass density of
the connected parts are the same value, the bolts links are
simplified to coincide and the bolt holes are omitted [4]. This
approach ensures sameness with the actual situation.
Therefore, coincide is a better choice.
Figure 5. Distribution of rubber component nodes
Contact algorithm is mainly used for the interaction
structural components dynamics calculations. Generally the S, M.... Printip.1
(AV9: 7�"')

contact area selected larger than the actual contact area. For +3.329.·02
+2.8041+02

the gear tooth contact, a possible exposure corresponding :n�g::g�

.7.0531+01
+1.80h+OI
surface is selected as each gear tooth contact to analysis. For -3.441 •• 01
-8.6881.01
-1.3931.02
the sliding bearing in the ABAQUS software simulated by -1.9181.02
-2.4431.02
-2.967 ••02

B22 cells. B22 has cross-coupled rigidity and cross damping

capability in the 2D radial direction [5]. It is a tension­
compression units, each node has two degrees of freedom.
Sliding bearing units sketch map shown in Fig.5, Cll, C]2,
C2h C22 for oil film damping coefficient in each directions;
K11, K12, K21, K22 for oil film rigidity coefficient in each
directions.
b) Tapered roller bearings supporting
Rubber-metal flexible coupling is installed on the outer
tub wheel which connected with stern shaft power plant
flange, while the inner tub wheel installed on the double­
row tapered roller bearings, which connect the wheel hub ooe.: Job-qJ-7.odb Ab.qus!Sufld••d Vlr1Iion 6.?-EFt Thu MiV 27 10;43:<17 GMT+08:00 2010

flange by rigid conical roller bearings on the shaft with the Step: move
Incrtmut te
34: S p Tim,· 1.000

linkage. Tapered roller bearing wheels will produce a Primlry V.,., $. M.". Principel
O,formed V.r: U Otform.tion Sui, Fector. +1.0001.00

constraint in axial and radial movement. Actual operating Figure 6. Distribution of S. Max.Principal stress

conditions, bearing high pressure oil through the formation
of a layer of oil film bearing oil film. Wheel forces suffered
one set of gear coupling passes through the rubber-metal
component, on the other hand pass through the film to the
outer drum. Bearing oil film stiffness and rigidity is much
greater than rubber, its natural frequency is much larger than
rubber-metal flexible coupling component modes frequency
region. Tapered roller bearing was tailored to use relatively
simple linear spring damper model. In this paper, double
springs and dampers model were used. The overall spring
stiffness and damping, respectively: k = 7.8 E+8N/m, c =
6.2 E+6 Nos/m.
D. ABAQUS simulation model and results
Fig.5 shows one of the 36 group of rubber-metal
components, the upper arc instead the interface binding
constraint with outside tub wheel, the down arc instead the
interface binding constraint with inner tub wheel, due to the
The simulation results with the change of rotate speed
and torque value while the input power keeps unchanged.
The speed and torque values of the nodes received the
maximum stress value as the basis for least squares fitting
using the maximum stress and the speed of the quadratic
equation as follows: [6]
Nodes No.14 second-order equation relationship
between maximum comRressive stress and the rotate speed:
2
f(x)=44.58x -2685x+40670 (5)
Nodes No.7 second-order equation relationship between
maximum tensile stress and the rotate speed:
2
f(x)=-37.55x +2248x-33850 (6)
Fitting curve shown in Fig.7, the red curve fit! as the
relationship between stress and speed, the blue curve
fit! copy1 for the relationship between tensile stress and
speed.

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increasing Mises stress; the bottom node No.l0 in the

HID direction of the centrifugal force generated by some of the
compressive stress in the opposite direction, to offset part of
the stress, has the minimum stress.
600
400 III. CONCLUSIONS
.
.

200 fiI1 We can draw some conclusions based on above

I
--

• y vs. calculating results through comparative analysis of rubber­

-- fil1 copy 1
metal coupling stress value size and distribution in some
-200
. . different conditions:
-400 1) Coupling breakage mainly occurred in the rubber
-600 components. Stress and strain analysis of rubber
components is important to improve the coupling lifetime
-lID
and to prevent failure;
HID
- '----:2"'---
9 -,:'-
0 ---=" 31----,3
:':- 2----:33'----=" 34-' 2) Rubber components stress value could been
Fig.7 Node suffered the greatest stress and speed curve controlled better by changing the coupling input speed and
torque, but the changes of stress distribution has limited
effect;
3) Changes of torque value have the dominant role in the
"' /' rubber ring stress analysis in compare with changes of rotate
speed;
4) Input power is fixed, by changing the rotate speed or
torque value, you can make the rubber ring to minimize the
stress values, which enhance the rubber-metal coupling have
an important role in reducing vibration and noise.
5) Fitting the rubber ring's second-order equation for the
maximum stress value and the rotate speed, it has an
important engineering significance for the lifetime analysis
_10 of rubber components.
Fig. 8 Each node stress curve at rated conditions
E. Result analysis
REFERENCES
Fig.7 is the curve for different speed and torque of the
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Shock,1989, (4):28-36.
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in Fig 7, the stress value is higher. This is because as the Tsinghua University Press, 2004.
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increases, superimposed or offset the effect of centrifugal Noise Diesel Engine[D]. Tianjin University in 2007.
force decreases. Contrast 0.91 curve and the curve 1.1, [4] S. KChan, Tuba. A Finite Element Method for Contact Problems of
Solids Bodies-Part Application to tubing Blade Fastenings [J]. Int. J.
rubber put on the node stress increased by 4 times, can be
Scientific Mech. 1973, 13 (2): 627-804.
seen in the input power fixed, the appropriate speed torque [5] Wu Xin-yue. Vibration and Noise Analysis of a certain type main
stress on the lower rubber ring have a major impact, thereby reduction gearbox [D]. Wuhan, Naval Engineering University, 1999.
affecting rubber-metal coupling effect of vibration and noise [6] SHI Yi-ping, ZHOU Yu-rong. "ABAQUS finite element analysis
reduction. Contrast 0.95 and 1.05, the change of torque has example explanation" [M]. Mechanical Industry Press, 2006.
much larger infection than the speed of change in stress on
the rubber cover on the dominant role of stress analysis,
several other curve shows without affecting the input power
under the premise of the right lower torque, can be a good
stress reducing rubber ring.
The rubber ring element model had 18 nodes at a whole
circle, the maximum stress point in node No.1, that the top
node in Fig.5. Second, Node No.2 and node No.18 has a
larger stress value. Node No.10 has the minimum stress
value, the node distribution shown in FigS. This is because
the coupling torque under the transmission process, the
input torque within the drum set through rubber outer ring,
rubber ring kit, delivered to the outer drum stress arising.
While the centrifugal force caused by rotation direction and
the top node No.1 compressive stress in the same direction,

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