Volume changes in a filled elastomer studied via digital image correlation

Volumetric strains in a filled SBR specimen subjected to cyclic uniaxial tension with increasing extensions are studied. Digital image correlation is used to follow the kinematics of two orthogonal free faces. A volume expansion is observed past a critical elongation, which can be interpreted as the onset of cavitation. Under unloading, the volume returns to its original value and remains constant upon reloading. Increasing the elongation to higher values than the previous cycle leads again to a volumetric expansion. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.