Optimization of a Specialized Forming Code for Rubber Products

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Saoud Larbi 1
Ghomari Tewfik 1
Abdelghani Mechri 2
Ayad Rezak 3
1 Aeronautics and Propulsion Systems Laboratory, University of Science and Technology Mohamed Boudiaf (USTO-MB), Oran, 3100, Algeria
2 Composite Structures and Innovative Materials Laboratory (LSCMI), University of Science and Technology Mohamed Boudiaf, Oran, 3100, Algeria
3 Laboratoire d’Ingénierie et Sciences des Matériaux (LISM, EA 4695), Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA), Reims, 51100, France
10.22055/jacm.2026.48588.5345
Abstract
This study presents the development of a specialized computational tool dedicated to simulating the forming of rubber-like materials, which are characterized by pronounced geometric, material, and contact nonlinearities. The developed code incorporates a special Q4-type finite element, augmented with a virtual rotational fiber following Ayad’s concept, together with a generalized contact algorithm that enables the automatic incorporation of contact data. This approach allows the treatment of quasi-incompressibility in specific volumetric elements and ensures the automatic detection of master and slave nodes without manual intervention. The proposed methodology enhances both the accuracy and robustness of simulations, providing a reliable numerical framework for optimizing industrial processes and reducing experimental trials. The computational performance is significantly improved, achieving a reduction of CPU time by approximately 35.7% compared to Abaqus under equivalent modeling conditions.
Keywords
Finite elements
Hyperelasticity
Rotational fiber
Axisymmetric element
Contact detection
Incompressibility
Subjects

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Journal of Applied and Computational Mechanics

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 08 January 2026