Hyperelastic modelling and shape optimisation of vehicle rubber bushings

The main functions of a rubber bushing are to join the rigid elements in the vehicles and isolate vibration and noise. Owing to the increasing interest of multi-body simulations of vehicles, it is important to develop validated models to calculate the static stiffness. Mechanical behaviour of rubber products depends on many parameters, therefore their modelling is quite complex. In this study, a hyperelastic finite element model of rubber bushing was developed, analysed and compared with test results. Optimum design parameters of bushing model were determined by shape optimisation using differential evolution algorithm.