Rubber elasticity and viscoelasticity

This special issue on Rubber Elasticity and Viscoelasticity was commissioned by the National Committee on Applied Mechanics of the Institution of Engineers, Australia. The aim is to provide students and practicing engineers with a general understanding of the basic theories on the behaviour of rubber-like materials under static and dynamic loading. These theories are then combined with experimental methods to highlight, with simple practical problems, various aspects of rubber-like behaviour. The presentation is focused on the continuum mechanics approach, including a brief review of the basic theories. A more rigorous approach can be obtained within references in the Bibliography containing lists of key references. Other topics not covered in this issue include non-linear viscoelastic behaviour, creep, fracture, fatigue, adhesion, wear, composites, and many other aspects associated with the behaviour of rubber-like materials. These subjects are seen as logical extensions to this work for future publication. The author wishes to acknowledge the work carried out by Emeritus Professor A.J.Carmichael on the characteristics and properties of natural rubber components in shear, compression, and shear-compression load supporting systems, portions of which have been included in this work. I also wish to acknowledge the support, advise and encouragement given by Professor M.L. Williams in the area of viscoelasticity whilst at the Californian Institute of Technology and Pittsburgh University. The dynamic properties section included portions of the author's experiences gained in viscoelasticity at Caltech, McMasters and Pittsburgh Universities during four study leaves that followed PhD and ME Degrees in this area of research at the University of New South Wales. These notes have been prepared for readers that have a general background knowledge of engineering, science and physics.