Modified Equations of Rubber Elasticity Applied to the Inflation Mechanics of a Thick-Walled Rubber Cylinder

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Abstract
The mechanics of the inflation of a thick-walled, gum rubber cylinder are predicted on the basis of the Neo-Hookean and Mooney theories of rubber elasticity. These predictions are compared to experimental results for two rubber cylinders of different geometries. The Mooney theory predicts pressures that are too high while the Neo-Hookean theory predicts pressures that are too low. Moreover, the Mooney theory fails to predict the observed instability (bulge of the tube). Data from the literature is used to show that gum rubber has different elastic properties in tension than in compression. This difference is allowed for in a modified description of rubber elasticity. The modified theory is then used to predict the mechanics of inflating thick-walled, rubber tubes. Agreement with experimental results is good.

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