An Analysis of the “Durometer” Indentation

Abstract

Abstract The mechanics of the indentation of elastomers by the “Durometer” (Shore A) hardness tester is analysed using the theory of elasticity to derive an interrelation between the Shore hardness number and the Young's modulus. Experimental compliance curves, for different elastomers, are provided to support the theory. The theoretical interrelationships between the International Rubber Hardness and the Shore A Hardness and the corresponding elastic modulus are also compared. The effects of the time dependent deformations are examined. Finally, the error introduced by computing the Young's modulus using an equivalent punch solution is examined and a means of improving the predictions is provided.