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Nonlinear Analysis of Elastomeric Keyboard Domes
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0
References
1989
Year
EngineeringMechanical EngineeringStructural OptimizationNonlinear Mechanical SystemSoft RoboticsElasticity (Physics)MechanicsElastomeric DomeShell StructureMaterial NonlinearitiesMaterials ScienceNonlinear ElasticityMechanical BehaviorMechanical ModelingSolid MechanicsLarge DeflectionThin-walled StructureFinite Element MethodMechanical SystemsStructural MechanicsMechanics Of Materials
The large deflection of an elastomeric dome is studied using the finite element method. The material properties of the elastomer are described by a hyperelastic model in order to capture the strain energy stored in the dome during deformation. The nonlinear responses are determined by the modified Riks procedure, and the calculated load-deflection curve agrees well with experimental results. In addition, a pressurized thick-walled spherical hyperelastic shell is analyzed and the stress results obtained by the finite element method are in excellent agreement with the closed-form solutions. The results provide a better understanding of the mechanical behavior of elastomeric keyboard domes and demonstrate the feasibility of using the finite element method to design such structures.