Capturing structural silicone non-linear behavior via the finite element method

Scott Bondi

The modeling of structural silicone presents challenges due to its non linear nature. Typical analysis methods,including rules of thumb can under or over predict actual movement and behavior depending on load. Increasing complexities of the geometry of some facades which could utilize structural silicone as a connection medium are often limited by the analysis methods available.

An investigation was carried out using advanced finite element models to correctly capture the non-linear behavior of silicone. Simulation results are compared to standardized test data. Methods of modeling as well as an overall approach to simulating composite structures with silicone are presented.

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