Making fatigue life predictions for rubber components can be complicated since many strongly interacting factors must be considered. On the other hand, the underlying mechanics of the failure process are understood in principle. Is it now possible to integrate what is known into a general-purpose prediction methodology that really works? In the present study, the attempt is made for a rubber exhaust mount. The analysis illustrates how the stress-strain and crack growth properties of the rubber compound can be combined with the global loading history to make the prediction. It is seen that a plane-specific analysis approach helps deal rationally with issues of R ratio and crack closure during the loading cycle. The analysis uncovers several unanticipated aspects of the problem: i.e. the fatigue life turns out to be extremely sensitive to details of friction and interference fit at the mounting hole. The predictions are compared to experimental results, and the potential influence of abrasion at the mounting hole is discussed.
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