International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

Vehicle components made of rubber usually exhibit large deformations. Cyclic finite deformations generate temperature in hyperelastic materials. Furthermore it is necessary to take into consideration the effects of ambient temperature. The mechanical properties of rubber depend on temperature and temperature changes can accelerate chemical alteration processes which lead to the material deterioration and fatigue processes. Research on fatigue behavior and fatigue properties of rubber has a great significance for predicting fatigue life and improving durability of rubber products. First purpose of this paper is summarizing the influence of temperature and temperature changes on the fatigue behavior of rubber. The second purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the state of the art on the fatigue life prediction of rubber with primary focus on the different methods available for prediction of fatigue life under the influence of temperature and temperature changes.

Generally, the most frequently used structural materials are metals which have high strength and stiffness. However, there are many cases, when other important properties come to the fore as well as high deformation by elastic behavior, high viscosity namely good damping effect. Vehicle components made of rubber usually exhibit large deformations. One of the most important properties of rubber is the ability to withstand large strains without permanent fractures. This feature makes it ideal for many engineering applications. On the other hand, the task becomes more complicated because of some features of rubber parts. The temperature of rubber increases significantly after deformations. Material properties of rubber change after these above mentioned temperature changes. Thus it is necessary to understand the mechanics underlying the failure process. This paper summarizes the applied equations and the basic physical laws which are responsible for the theoretical background of the strain and temperature changes and the analysis approaches that are available for predicting fatigue life in rubber, especially in vehicle components made of rubber.