A simulation strategy to determine the mechanical behaviour of cork-rubber composite pads for vibration isolation

The present work aimed to determine the performance of new cork-rubber composites, applying a modelling-based approach. The static and dynamic behaviour under compression of new composite isolation pads was determined using mathematical techniques. Linear regression was used to estimate apparent compression modulus and dynamic stiffness coefficient of compounds samples based on the effect of fillers, cork and other ingredients. Using the results obtained by regression models, finite element analysis (FEA) was applied to determine the behaviour of the same cork-rubber material but considering samples with different dimensions. The majority of the regression models presented R2 values above 90%. Also, a good agreement was found between the results obtained by the presented approach and previous experimental tests. Based on the developed methodology, the compression behaviour of new cork-rubber compounds can be accessed, improving product development stages.