Master thesis on factors affecting the dynamic properties of rubber isolators

Abstract: Rubber is a highly complicated material. Its properties are strongly dependent of temperature, preload, frequency, amplitude and filling materials. In order to have better knowledge about how rubber reacts for these different parameters, a number of different papers that treats these parameters have been reviewed. Main focus is on dynamic properties of carbon-black filled rubber. Mechanical models of rubber isolator with different kinds of possible solution have been suggested. A basic mathematical equation is derived to estimate the static and dynamic stiffness of a rubber isolator depending on the preload for a geometry that is commonly used by Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB. Tests of a rubber isolator with the same geometry is also conducted to validate the model. It is shown that the model corresponds very well to measurement data.