Numerical Analysis of Relaxation Test Based on Prony Series Material Model

In performing an experimental analysis it is always important to take into account different parameters influencing the results. Boundary conditions in addition to the specimen size in case of nonlinear materials could be even more effective. Hence, a full analysis of these parameters before doing any test on the real material seems necessary. In this paper, these effects are numerically analyzed, using ANSYS APDL coding. Samples are cylindrical elastomers becoming ready for a relaxation test in order to get Prony series of the material. The influences of friction and applied displacement in addition to the area-length ratio have been investigated and the optimal values in order to do an appropriate relaxation test are proposed.