US tech company develops predictive aging software for elastomers

Findlay, Ohio – US rubber technology company Endurica has developed a new durability simulation software which can anticipate the aging behaviour of an elastomer and calculate the effects of heat exposure on the durability of the part. 

Launched earlier this month, the software produces data that define the evolution of material properties such as stiffness, critical tearing energy and intrinsic strength, or fatigue threshold. 

It uses the Arrhenius law to calculate the aging rate as a function of temperature, and then integrates this information "to find equivalent exposure time for each element in the finite element model," according to Endurica.

"This is a feature that was developed and validated over the last few years in partnership with one of our Tier 1 automotive OEM users for an application where long-term exposure to high temperatures was leading to early part failures," said Will Mars, founder and president of Endurica.

The simulation captures time-dependent changes in the fatigue crack growth rate law, Mars noted. 

Two new data points for each element can be gleaned from the software – age-equivalent time and age-influenced stiffness. 

Fatigue life distribution also can be realised to determine the element that will fail first.

"This is one of our most significant developments to date because aging impacts so many applications," Mars said. 

According to Mars, the feature is a “game-changer” if there is a big temperature difference, or if there is significant self-heating, and if the part is expected to have long-term endurance.

Mars said the new software can be used for tires, seals, rubber parts operating near motors and high pressure and high temperature applications in the oil and gas field.

"We are very excited to finally launch this capability," he said.

The aging behaviour software includes a file encryption feature that allows customers to share all or part of the simulation input without giving away key details of their elastomer.

Endurica offers software, characterisation services, testing instruments and training for engineers and analysts. The company was founded in 2008.