Modified entropic elasticity of rubberlike materials (Q1064104)

The strictly entropic theory of elasticity applied to elastomeric materials is modified and the latter is used as an alternative formulation of the theory of thermomechanics of rubberlike materials proposed by the first author [Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond., Ser. A 276, 371-403 (1974; Zbl 0287.73005)]. The new formulation predicts that the deviatoric stress is not entirely entropic in origin but arises in part from changes of internal energy, as also predicted by experiments and the polymer theory of networks. Using the new model the energetic fraction of the retractive force in an extended cylinder is calculated and discussed in detail and the theoretical results are compared with measurements on specimens of a lightly cross-linked natural rubber.