A Simplified Methodology for Validating the Hyper-Viscoelastic (HVE) Dynamic Respons

This thesis presents a mathematical modeling process for characterizing a hyperelastic material with viscous response under dynamic loading conditions. The model is designed with the advantage of performing only one compressive dynamic test in order to provide the requisite parameters to fully determine the hyper-viscoelastic response. This is achieved in both deformations and contact forces, using digital image correlation and force sensors. Experiments performed at strain rates ranging from 10--3--10 2 s--1 correlate with computational simulations at the same loading rates up to 80% compression. The validity of the fit and prediction is assessed using MATLAB along with ABAQUS finite element software.;The results provided by this novel methodology, i.e. the mathematical model using non-homogeneous deformations and the subsequent dynamic experimental techniques, proves that this approach is a more effective alternative to the current standards used to characterize the mechanical response of hyperelastic, viscoelastic, and hyper-viscoelastic materials.