*** Please note, each row and course# listed below is a separate, complete course. ***

Understanding Dynamic Properties of Rubber and Rubber Products

Course# Date Time Location
072-1389 04/14/2025 - 04/15/2025 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Microsoft Teams
072-1390 07/14/2025 - 07/15/2025 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Microsoft Teams
072-1391 09/25/2025 - 09/26/2025 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Microsoft Teams
Cost: $900 USD
Online Registration
CEU's: 1.6
Instructor: John Dick and Karl Winkler

Course Overview

This two-day course gives a thorough review of dynamic properties from A to Z. It defines rubber dynamic properties in practical terms. Special attention is given to performance applications of rubber components and parts. A review of different properties of rubber itself and how these different properties are affected by formulation changes are also discussed. This course includes an effective balance between the practical and theoretical aspects of rubber dynamic properties.

Online Course Requirements

We want you to have a great experience participating in our remote (online) courses, and for that, you’ll need the right equipment and internet connection.

Minimum needs are:

  • A broadband internet connection that has at least a 2 Mbps upload and download speed.
  • A computer (PC or Mac) that can support the latest web browser versions.
  • At least 4 GB of RAM and adequate hard drive space.
  • A microphone and a speaker.
  • International Students: For virtual (online) courses, an additional fee will be assessed to cover the cost of shipping the professional binder (presentation slides), to your address. The cost of international shipping can be significant.

For more information, visit our Online Course Requirements webpage.

Instructor Biography:

John S. Dick, a senior rubber scientist with Alpha Technologies, has over thirty years of experience in the rubber industry. Mr. Dick has authored over 50 journal and magazine publications and four books on polymer technology. He received the Monsanto Master Technical Service Award in 1994, the ACS Rubber Division Best Paper Award in 1995 and a University of Akron Appreciation Award in 1998 for Teaching Polymer Compounding Courses in their Continuing Education Program. He is a Fellow of ASTM International receiving the Award of Merit in 1990. In addition, he has represented the United States as a delegate to the ISO for the last 20 years. He was appointed in 1992 to be Leader of the U.S. Delegation to ISO TC-45 on Rubber. Mr. Dick teaches rubber technology courses at both University of Akron and University of Wisconsin continuing education departments. He received his B.S. degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1970 and an M.A. from the University of Akron in 1979.

Day 1: Part 1 - Basic Principles of Rheology and Dynamic Properties of Rubber

ELASTIC QUALITY

  • Hooke's Law
  • Modulus
  • Exercises

VISCOUS QUALITY

  • Flow
  • Viscosity
  • Calculation of Viscosity
  • Newtonian Fluids
  • Non-Newtonian Behavior
  • Exercises

VISCOELASTIC QUALITY

  • Voigt and Maxwell Models
  • Illustrations
  • Creep Experiments
  • Stress Relaxation Experiments

SINUSOIDAL DEFORMATION AND RESPONSES

  • S', S", S*, Phase Angle, Tan
  • Rebound
  • Uncured tan
  • Cure tan
  • Exercise

INSTRUMENT CONFIGURATIONS AND MEASURE UNITS

  • Ranges of test conditions
  • Types of tests
  • Frequency Sweep
  • Strain Sweep
  • Temperature Sweep
  • Cure Test
  • Time Sweep
  • Test configurations for polymer characterization
  • Test configurations for Processability
  • Test configurations for cure and after-cure dynamic property measurements
  • Die cavity vs unsealed cavity
  • Calculation of % strain for angle of oscillation
  • Laminar movement
  • Estimating Pressure
  • Exercise

SHEAR MODULUS

  • G', G", G*
  • Calculations and Use of Conversion Factors
  • Vector Analysis
  • Use of G' vs S' in High Strain Sweep
  • Exercise

DYNAMIC VISCOSITY

  • eta', eta", eta *
  • Calculation from G', G" and G*
  • Calculation of Shear Rates
  • Cox-Merz Rule
  • Exercise

COMPLIANCE

  • J', J", J*
  • Calculation from G', G", and G*
  • Relevance
  • Exercise

EXTENSION/COMPRESSION MODULUS

  • E', E", E*
  • Relation of E to G
  • Poisson's Ratio
  • MTS vs RPA Testing
  • D', D", D*
  • Calculation of D from E
  • Exercise

SPRING RATE CONSTANTS AND DAMPING COEFFICIENTS

  • Spring Rate Definition
  • K', K", K*
  • Vector Analysis
  • Damping Coefficients

TIME AND TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT PROPERTIES

  • Definition of WLF
  • Examples of WLF with Polymers and Mixed Stocks

Day 1: Part II Applications - Testing and Evaluating Dynamic Properties in Rubber Materials and Rubber Products

WHICH DYNAMIC TEST METHOD TO USE

  • Free Vibration – Yerzley, Rebound, Bayshore, Lupke
  • Forced Vibration – DMS, DMTA, RSA, RPA

SYSTEM APPLICATION TESTS

  • Frequency
  • Natural frequency
  • Damped Natural Frequency
  • Forced Vibration
  • Free Vibration
  • Mode of Vibration
  • Single Degree of Freedom System
  • Multiple Degree of Freedom System
  • Resonance
  • Harmonic

AUTOMOTIVE NVH TERMS

  • Lateral, Fore & Aft
  • Longitudinal
  • Pitch
  • Yaw
  • Roll
  • Buzz
  • Boom
  • Roar
  • Crowds
  • Harshness
  • Plushness
  • Shake
  • Shuffle, Bobble
  • Road Noise, Buzz

Day 2

AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS

  • Transverse Engine Six Degrees of Freedom
  • Vertical Bounce Mode Effect on Vehicle
  • Single Degree of Freedom System
  • Natural Frequency of Resonant Frequency
  • Inertance Transfer Function
  • Evaluating Rubber Damping – Log Decrement Technique
  • Two Degrees of Freedom Systems

VIBRATION DAMPER DESIGN PROCEDURE

  • Tuned Vibration Absorbers
  • Shear Modulus vs. Durometer Hardness
  • Mass Ratio
  • Tuning Ratio
  • Damping Level

FORCED VIBRATION TESTING OF RUBBER MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS

  • Examples
  • Mold Bonded Compression
  • Quad Lap Shear (QLS)
  • Dynamic Stiffness
  • MTS Shape Factor
  • Strain Sweeps
  • Compressive Static Graphs
  • Effects of Surface Conditions, Bonding, Sandpaper, Dry/Clean, Talc, Vasoline
  • Frequency Sweep
  • Material Transmissibility
  • Pre-strain Sweep
  • Temperature Sweep
  • Heat Build Up

MECHANICAL FATIGUE TESTING OF RUBBER

  • Fatigue Life and Crack Growth
  • Primary Failure
  • Secondary Failure
  • Fatigue Test Control Methods
  • Stress Control (Load Control)
  • Strain Control (Displacement Control)
  • Indirect Control
  • Calculated Variables
  • Spectrum
  • Remote Parameter Control (RPC)
  • Engine Mount Fatigue Graphs
  • Crack Initiation and Growth, Micro Cracking, Strain Energy and Crack Propagation

Day 2: Part III - Compounding Rubber for Dynamic Properties

ELASTOMERS

  • Important Elastomer Properties (Tg, MW, MWD, LCB)
  • Plastic vs. Rubber
  • Kinetic Theory of Rubber Elasticity
  • Molecular Motions in Different Regions of the Master Curve
  • Time Temperature Superpositioning (WLF Equation)
  • Effects of Chemical Structure on Glass Transition (Tg)
  • Main Chain Flexibility, Steric Hindrance, Symmetry, Branching,MW
  • Effects of Blending
  • Natural Rubber (NR)
  • Polyisoprene (IR)
  • Polybutadiene (BR)
  • Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
  • EPDM
  • Polychloroprene (CR)
  • Butyl Rubber (IIR)
  • Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
  • Silicone Rubber (Q)

PLASTICIZERS

  • Predictive Equation for Tg
  • Compatibility

VULCANIZATION

  • Optimal Cure
  • Effects of Crosslink Type

CARBON BLACK

  • Carbon Black Reinforcement
  • Effects of Surface Area
  • Effects of Structure
  • Effects of Surface Activity

COMPOUND MIXING

  • Effects of Mixing on Strain Amplitude Dependence of G’ and Tan delta
  • Dispersion vs. Fill Factor

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions or need more information about this course, please contact:

Penelope Pinkston
330-972-8303
penelo1@uakron.edu


TO REGISTER

Online Registration

OR

Registration Form

Registration information: Registration shall remain open until posted as closed on the course listing on this site.

Registrations must be guaranteed by check, a purchase order number or a credit card, otherwise the registration will not be processed. Checks should be made payable to "The Akron Polymer Technology Services Training Center" and must include a copy of your completed registration form. Course fees are due before attending.

All registrations—whether by online, phone, fax or mail—will be confirmed and considered binding and subject to all cancellation policies. If you do not receive a confirmation prior to the class, please call The Akron Polymer Technology Services Training Center to verify your registration.

Course fee includes classroom instruction, instructional materials, parking permits, continental breakfast, lunch, beverages and refreshment breaks. Travel and hotel accommodations are not included.

ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED AND ON A FIRST-COME BASIS. EARLY REGISTRATION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

Visit our registration webpage to view our cancellation/withdrawal policy.