A theory of stress softening of elastomers based on finite chain extensibility

Abstract

In this paper we develop a theory to describe the Mullins effect in rubber–like solids, based on the notion of limiting chain extensibility associated with the Gent model of rubber elasticity. We relate the theory to the mechanisms of network alteration and to the pseudo–elasticity theory of the Mullins effect. The inherently anisotropic nature of the Mullins effect is also discussed.