Generalized Maxwell Model

  The Generalized Maxwell model also known as the Maxwell-Weichert model (after James Clerk Maxwell and Dieter Weichert) is the most general form of the linear model for viscoelasticity. It takes into account that the relaxation does not occur at a single time, but at a distribution of times. Due to molecular segments of different lengths with shorter ones contributing less than longer ones, there is a varying time distribution. The Weichert model shows this by having as many spring-dashpot Maxwell elements as are necessary to accurately represent the distribution. The Figure on the right represents a possible Weichert model ^[1].

References

1. ^ Roylance,David (2001); "Engineering Viscoelasticity", 14-15