A computational framework for rheologically complex thermo-visco-elastic materials

Fractional calculus has been proved to be very effective in representing the visco-elastic relaxation response of materials with memory such as polymers. Moreover, modeling temperature dependency material functions thermo-visco-elasticity, standard time–temperature superposition principle is known ineffective most cases (thermo-rheological complexity). In this work, a novel finite element formulation and numerical implementation proposed for simulation transient thermal analysis thermo-rheologically complex materials. The parameters fractional constitutive law are assumed dependent an internal history variable introduced track changes which responsible phase transition material. approximation derivative employed via so called Grünwald–Letnikov approximation. model used numerically solve some test related creep tests conducted on real polymer (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), major encapsulant solar cells photovoltaics.