Analytical, numerical and experimental study of the finite inflation of circular membranes

In the present work we derive an analytical expression for pressure–deflection curve of circular membranes subjected to inflation. This problem has been studied mostly from a numerical point view and there is still lack accurate closed-form solutions in nonlinear elasticity. The formulation developed with semi-inverse method by setting priori kinematics deformation membrane. A compressible Mooney–Rivlin material model considered relation derived equilibrium. approximated therefore obtained solution not exact. Consequently, adjusted introducing additional polynomial function equation. calibrated fitting exact system differential equilibrium equations. calibration done over wide range constitutive parameters that covers response all rubber materials technological applications. As result, definitive applied pressure as deflection membrane obtained. formula validated finite element (FE) simulations compared other available literature. comparison shows more accurate. addition, unlike models, it can be materials. Experimental uniaxial bulge tests are carried out on proposed used characterize parameters. Since easy-to-use, innovative tool engineering applications inflated membranes.