A theory of finite viscoelasticity and numerical aspects

Most current models for finite deformation viscoelasticity are restricted to linear evolution laws for the viscous material behaviour. In this paper, we present a model for finite deformation viscoelasticity that utilizes a nonlinear evolution law, and thus is not restricted to states close to the thermodynamic equilibrium. We further show that upon appropriate linearization, we can recover several established models of finite linear viscoelasticity and linear viscoelasticity. The utilization of this model in a computational setting is also addressed and examples are presented to highlight the differences of the proposed model in relation with other available models. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.