| Abstract: | We present a model for calculating nonlinear viscoelastic response which we call the “phases model” (PHM). In terms of a mechanical model representation the PHM is a generalized Maxwell model with nonlinear elements where each Maxwell element is referred to as a phase. The viscous material properties are represented in the model in terms of flow curves of the individual phases. The collection of flow curves form the flow diagram. We show how to calibrate the flow diagram from a family of constant rate test curves by means of a simple straightforward procedure. We give an example of such a calibration for a certain rigid polyurethane. We applied our model to the calculation of nonlinear viscoelastic response to varius loading programs in uniaxial tension, and to the creep of a simply supported beam, and obtained good agreement with experimental data. |
