Abstract
An elastomeric bushing is a device used in automotive suspension systems to reduce the load transmitted from the wheel to the frame of the vehicle. The relation between the load applied to the shaft or sleeve and the relative displacement of elastomeric bushing is nonlinear and exhibits features of viscoelasticity. A load-displacement relation for elastomeric bushing is important fur dynamic numerical simulations. A boundary value problem fur the bushing response leads to the load-displacement relation, which requires complex calculations. Therefore, by modifying the constitutive equation for a nonlinear viscoelastic incompressible material developed by Lianis, the data for the elastomeric bushing material was obtained and this data was used to derive the new load-displacement relation for radial response of the bushing. After the load relaxation function for the bushing was obtained from the step displacement control test, Pipkin-Rogers model was developed. Solutions were allowed for comparison between the results of the modified Lianis model and those of the proposed model. It was shown that the proposed Pipkin-Rogers model was in very good agreement with the modified Lianis model.