Viscoelastic Models- Part 2

NDRI-DE611-2010

Engineering section

Generalized Models

The experimental data on many viscoelastic materials including biological materials have shown more than one relaxation or retardation time. In such materials, their complete rheological behavior cannot be represented by a single Kelvin-Voigt or Maxwell model or even the four-element Burgers model. This is because each of the above models have only one time constant. In order to represent the viscoelastic behaviour more adequately, a chain of Kelvin-Voigt or Maxwell models are assumed.

NDRI-DE611-2010

Engineering section

Generalized Kelvin-Voigt Model

This model represents a chain of Kelvin models, each with its own time of retardation. The n number of Kelvin elements are connected in series, with one initial spring and final viscous element. The n Kelvin models are to account for retarded strain while the first spring Eo is to account for instantaneous elastic strain. The dashpot with v viscosity corresponds to the flow experienced in creep stress.

NDRI-DE611-2010

Engineering section

NDRI-DE611-2010

Engineering section

Generalized Maxwell Model

This model is composed of n Maxwell elements with a spring in parallel with the nth element. The elastic modulus Ee of the last spring corresponds to the equilibrium modulus in the stress relaxation test.

When this model is subjected to constant strain 0 at time

t=0, the total stress in the model will be: The stress decreases with time and can be represented by

NDRI-DE611-2010

Engineering section

Trel relaxation time is the time required for the stress to decay to 1/e times its original value or 36.8% of its original value. Alternatively, at constant strain, a Maxwell element will relax its stress exponentially at a rate determined by Trel.

NDRI-DE611-2010

Engineering section