Analysis of inhomogeneous anisotropic viscoelastic bodies described by multi-parameter fractional differential constitutive models

The response to static loads of plane inhomogeneous anisotropic bodies made of linear viscoelastic materials is investigated. Multi-parameter differential viscoelastic constitutive equations are employed, which are generalized using fractional order time derivatives. The governing equations, which are derived by considering the equilibrium of the plane body element, are two coupled linear fractional evolution partial differential equations in terms of the displacement components. Using the Analog Equation Method (AEM) in conjunction with the Boundary Element Method (BEM) these equations are transformed into a system of multi-term ordinary fractional differential equations (FDEs), which are solved using a numerical method for FDEs developed recently by Katsikadelis. Numerical examples are presented, which not only demonstrate the efficiency of the solution procedure and validate its accuracy, but also permit a better understanding of the response of plane bodies described by different viscoelastic models.