Abstract
A novel multi-axial energy-based approach is presented and used to
demonstrate the influence of different finite element (FE) modelling
techniques on the prediction of the fatigue life of a rubber composite
with long oriented fibres. It is shown that the simplest modelling
methods using 2D elements with rebar layers, layered 2D elements or
layered 3D elements do not allow for a precise determination of the
critical location and damage value. In contrast, modelling methods with
3D matrix and discrete reinforcement provide much better results. The
predicted critical location corresponds to the measured one, although
the predicted fatigue life still differs from the measured results. The
most complex microscopic modelling method shows the best agreement
between the predicted and measured fatigue life. Since microscopic
modelling is not suitable for modelling larger products made of rubber
fibre composite, it is also noted that modelling techniques with 3D
matrix and discrete reinforcing elements can be used with the same
accuracy if the fatigue life curve is obtained from measurements on the
specimens made of composite material rather than the specimens made of
the critical base material (rubber).