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Calculating Compression/Deflection Of Polyurethane

Calculating The Compression/Deflection Of Urethane

Polyurethane, unlike rubber, is a non-compressible elastomer, meaning its volume will not change. In other words if you squeeze it in one place, it will bulge the same amount in another place. For that reason, it makes an excellent material for load-bearing applications.

In load-bearing applications such as isolation pads, bumpers, bushings, rollers and wheels, it is important to know the amount of deflection the part will have when under load. For most applications a range between 5% to 15% deflection is acceptable. However, applications with rapid continuous deflection may need to be limited to lower deflection percentages. We recommend not exceeding 25% deflection regardless of the application.

Factors That Determine The Amount Of Deflection

Although the formula for calculating compression/deflection was scientifically derived, the many variables involved can make it difficult to precisely predit the outcome. The formula used in example 1 is for pads or cylindrically shaped bumpers only.

Two Important Considerations When Calculating Compression/Deflection

Polyurethanes heat up in dynamic applications which can lower the durometer and in turn, will lower the Young’s modulus.

There can be a very large difference in compression/deflection between a part with bonded surfaces, versus the same part between lubricated surfaces. Compression/deflection values for parts compressed between surfaces that are neither bonded nor lubricated, cannot be accurately calculated.

Example 1 - Pads

You have a 92A durometer(hardness) isolation pad that is 6″ long by 3″ wide and 2″ thick, that is under a 3,600 lb load. You want to know how much deflection it will have.

The formula is: L=D x Y x (1+2f²)

D = % of deflection/inch of thickness

L = load or force in psi

Y = Young’s Modulus (see Modulus of Elasticity Diagram below)

f = shape factor

*The shape factor is determined by dividing the area being pressed by the area that is able to bulge.

Solution To Example 1

L = 3600 lbs ÷ 18 square inches (6 x 3) = 200 psi

Y = 4500 psi for 92A durometer(hardness)

f = 18 (6 x 3) area being pressed ÷ by 36 (2×6+2×3+2×6+2×3) area able to bulge = .5

f²= .5² = .25 therefore (1 + 2f²) = (1 + (2 x .25)) = 1.5

Using the formula above:

200 = D x 4500 x 1.5

200 = 6750D

200 ÷ 6750 = D

D = .0296 per inch of original thickness (2.9%)

2″ thick pad x .0296 = .0592″ total deflection

Modulus of Elasticity Diagram

As was mentioned above, the condition of the parts loaded surface, has an effect on deflection. When a part is compressed it wants to expand out laterally and that movement changes the shape factor. This is particularly noticeable if the surfaces are lubricated. However, if the surfaces are bonded to a substrate such as metal, the shape factor remains the same. Below is a graph showing the differences in deflection of a bonded part, a dry and clean part and a lubricated part. As you can see, the surface condition of a part can make quite a difference in deflection.

Characteristics By Durometer(Hardness) And Shape Factor

Below are several graphs showing the compression/deflection curve for various shape factors. Each graph is for a different durometer(hardness) of urethane. All samples tested were bonded to metal surfaces.

Example 2 - Wheel/Roller

You have a wheel with a 4″ diameter metal core and a 6″ diameter polyurethane covering. The wheel is 2″ wide and the polyurethane is 92A durometer(hardness). How much will the urethane deflect under a 1000 lb. load?

The formula is:

L = The loading or weight in pounds (not psi)

D = Deflection in inches (not a % deflection)

Y = Young’s Modulus (see Modulus of Elasticity diagram above)

W = Width (length of contact surface) of the roller/wheel in inches

a = Inside radius of the polyurethane in inches

b = Outside radius of the polyurethane in inches

Solution To Example 2

L = 1000 lbs

Y = 4500 for 92A durometer(hardness)

W = 2″ wide

a = 2″ radius of 4″ metal hub

b = 3″ radius of 6″ urethane covering

Using the formula above:

.75 L = .75 x 1000 = 750

(b – a) = 3 – 2 = 1

Thus .75 L x (b-a) = 750 x 1 = 750

Y x W = 4500 x 2 = 9000

8b = 8 x 3 = 24 √24 = 4.9

Thus Y W x √8b = 9000 x 4.9 = 44,100

.75 L (b – a)	=	750 ÷ 44,100 which equals .017
Y x W x √8b

.017^2/3 = ³√.017²

.017² = .000289

³√.000289 = .066

The urethane on the wheel will deflect .066 inches, which is 6.6% of its thickness and is in the acceptable range. For wheels and rollers, we recommend to not exceed 15% deflection.

Polyurethane Pad Compression Deflection Percentage Calculator

The information given by this calculator is baseline, many factors affect compression such as the surrounding environment, your specific application, and the urethane formulation. Get in touch for assistance in finding the product to suit your individual requirements.

POLYURETHANE PAD COMPRESSION DEFLECTION PERCENTAGE CALCULATOR

Load (in pounds): Width (in inches): Length (in inches): Thickness (in inches): Material Hardness:

Wheel and Roller Compression Deflection Percentage Calculator

Wheel and Roller Compression Deflection Calculator

Outside Diameter of the Urethane

Outside Diameter of the Core

Width of the Wheel or Roller

Young's Modulus

Load in Pounds

Disc or Ring Compression Deflection Calculator

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Inside Diameter (inches)

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Young's Modulus (PSI)

Please note that at least one of the following fields must be filled out to proceed.

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Calculating The Compression/Deflection Of Urethane

Factors That Determine The Amount Of Deflection