**Measurement and Numerical Modeling of Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane Foams** Measurement and Numerical Modeling of Mechanical

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.69700

Michal Petrů and Ondřej Novák

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter Michal Petrů and Ondřej Novák

Properties of Polyurethane Foams

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.69700 Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

### Abstract

This chapter focuses on determination of mechanical properties of polyurethane foams applied in automotive industry and medicine. These materials have strong nonlinear viscoelastic behavior that is time dependent. A comprehensive description of their characteristics is very tough and difficult. Mechanical properties can to some extent be studied using mathematical models that need to be verified with measurements. This chapter describes selected mathematical relationships, rheological models, and also numerical simulations that can approximately describe mechanical properties. Mechanical properties of polyurethane foam are influenced by internal and external structure, shape and size of the cells, filling volume, and properties of the used polymer. Studied mechanical properties are contact pressures, stress distribution, and the dependence of stress on the strain rate.

Keywords: PU foam, stiffness, dynamical tests, contact pressure, FEM
