Compressive force transmission through a rubber section.

[Bulldogio]

Dear all, could anybody give me a clue on how to calculate what percentage of force is transmitted through a rubber section as a result of compression?
Please help, I have spoken to many people who could not shed any light on this apart from it will transmitt a force.

 

[mog69]

The rubber section acts like a solid spring -it will have an equivalent spring rate, so that the force exerted will be proportional to the amount by which it has been compressed. Depends on the shore hardness etc of the rubber. Can't the rubber manufacturer give any data on compression properties?

mog69

 

[MintJulep]

All. 100%.

Put a block of rubber on a scale. Zero the scale. Put a 10 pound weight on top of the rubber.

The scale will read 10 pounds.

 

[Bulldogio]

Thanks for your response mog69, I did try the manufacturer of the rubber section and I spoke to their technical department and then their consultant. It was the consultant that confirmed the rubber section would transmit a force but could not give me any info on how much. Do you know where I could get info on the spring rate of rubber?

 

[swearingen]

I don't know the scale of your work, but ship, barge, and boat fenders do this work every day. You might want to ask those manufacturers. Remember that the spring rate will be heavily dependent on geometry as well. If you have two 6"x2" columns of rubber, the force-deflection curve will be MUCH different than a single 6"x4" piece for anything over very small deflections, although the cross sectional area is the same.

BTW, I am assuming that this is an impact load. If not, then Mint Julep is correct, the load will be 100% of the static load applied.

 

[TheTick]

In a static state, the rubber piece will transmit 100% of force.