Non-linear constitutive equations for viscoelastic behaviour of elastomers at large deformations

A non-linear theory of viscoelasticity for large deformation of elastomers has been developed. The concept of an internal variable stress which is governed by a rate equation, has been used to account for the viscoelastic behaviour of incompressible rubbers. Following a molecular approach the parameters of the model were extracted by the inverse Langevin approximation of rubber elasticity. Qualitative applications were made in the case of uniaxial elongation and simple shear deformations. (C) Elsevier Science Limited.