deflection of extruded silicon

[txw0091]

I have a client with an extruded silicone rectangular tube with outer dimensions 54mm width, 10mm height and inner dimensions 30mm width, 6mm height. The Shore A hardness is 60. My first question is: does the Shore number affect the compression deflection force? The second question is how to determine the force necessary to deflect the interior of the tube 50% of the inner height (or 3mm)?

 

[GFSeals]

There is no easy way to predetermine the load deflection curve for such a part. Testing is you best bet as even FEA analysis requires experimental varification when it comes to rubber.