Strain Rate Effect on Mechanical Properties of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) under Dynamic Loadings

The impact of strain rate on the mechanical properties of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) has been a key area of focus in recent studies. This study aims to investigate the uniaxial compression tests of SBR under dynamic loadings, particularly in the range of medium strain rates. The stress-strain characteristics and the relationship between strain rate and mechanical properties were analyzed, followed by an examination of the strain rate sensitivity. The results showed that SBR displayed nonlinear characteristics and was strain rate dependent, with yield stress and flow stress increasing exponentially with the logarithmic increase of strain rates. The study also analyzed the influence of strain rate on energy absorption capability and proposed a visco-hyperelastic constitutive model consisting of a nonlinear spring and a Maxwell element to describe the mechanical behavior of SBR. The findings of this research can serve as a guide for the design and optimization of SBR structures against impact loading.