Nonlinear Elastic Deformations and Stability of Laminated Rubber Bearings

In this paper, the finite deformations of laminated rubber bearings are analyzed by employing a one-dimensional model consistent with the framework of three-dimensional finite elasticity. In such a context, the equilibrium deformations are governed by a nonlinear system of differential equations involving unknown scalar functions of the axial coordinate. It is shown how to obtain the pure bending and the simple extension of the bearing as exact solutions of the equilibrium problem. Moreover, for each of these two cases, the corresponding relatio)l between the significant kinematical parameter and the load sustaining the deformation is established. Small deformations of the bearing superimposed on a finite compression are also considered. In particular, stability of the finitely stressed state and structural response for superimposed small shear and bending are investigated.