Compression and torsion testing for elastic moduli and Poisson's ratio characterization in silicone rubber samples with varying shape factors

Elastomeric materials, such as silicone rubber, are widely used in engineering applications due to their high deformability and viscoelastic properties. Under quasistatic regime and small deformations their behavior can be considered purely elastic and can be characterized by the elastic modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio, which are interrelated in isotropic materials. Although standard methodologies exist for determining these properties, experimental measurements are known to be affected by the geometry of the tested samples. The influence of sample geometry on compressive modulus measurements is well understood, however, its effect on shear modulus measurements is less explored. This study investigates how the dimensions of cylindrical samples influence the experimental determination of both the compressive and shear moduli and, consequently, Poisson's ratio. Compression and torsion tests are performed on silicone rubber samples of varying diameters and lengths using a dynamic mechanical analyzer and a rheometer respectively. The results confirm that both the compressive and shear moduli are affected by sample geometry, leading to unrealistic values of Poisson's ratio. To account for these effects, a correction model is proposed for shear modulus measurements, complementing existing corrections for compressive tests. The model successfully describes experimental trends and provides a more reliable estimation of Poisson's ratio, aligning with theoretical expectations for nearly incompressible elastomers. These findings emphasize the importance of considering geometric effects in compressive and torsion tests and provide a framework for improving the accuracy of mechanical characterization in elastomeric materials.