Details

Incorporating a contact element in a mechanical analog composed of springs and dashpots can be used to model viscoelastic behavior characterized by delayed activation of the whole or part of the model array. The contact element is defined by: if , then , else , where is the displacement in arbitrary length units and the displacement at which the element is engaged.

In an in-series combination of the contact element and a spring (model A) the array's definition is: if , then , else , where is the spring's constant. In a parallel combination with a spring (model B) the array's definition is: if , , else .

In an in-series combination of the contact element, a spring, , and a dashpot, η, that is, a Maxwell element (model C), the array's definition is: if , , else , where is the displacement rate and . If the contact element is placed in series with a spring and dashpot themselves in a parallel combination, that is, a Kelvin–Voigt element (model D), the array's definition is: if , , else .

Notice that in model A, when , the resulting plot is of an ordinary spring. In model B, this happens as . In model C, setting produces the force-displacement curve of an ordinary Maxwell element and in model D of an ordinary Kelvin–Voigt element.

You can choose the model A, B, C, or D by clicking its setter; then enter the values of , , η, and with sliders to plot the corresponding force-displacement curve. You can also enter plot's force and displacement maximum values with sliders.