Novel model for uniaxial strain‐rate–dependent stress–strain behavior of ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber in compression or tension

Based on quasi‐static and dynamic experimental results, a novel strain‐rate–dependent model for ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) rubber was developed. This model, composed of a base model and rate‐sensitivity terms, has a relatively simple form to be embedded in computer codes for numerical simulations. The base model combines a Maxwell model and a Mooney function. The Maxwell model is necessary to describe small‐strain behavior, whereas the Mooney function dominates the large‐strain behavior. Each of these two components is then multiplied by a rate‐sensitive term to describe the material's strain‐rate sensitivities at both small and large strains. This model gives a good description of EPDM response in both compression and tension over a wide range of strain rates with a minimum number of material constants. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 1553–1558, 2004