Models

In mechanics, models with aftereffect are used to describe stress-train states of materials, for example of wood, polymers, plastics, ice, etc. The theory of elastic aftereffect for rigid bodies was proposed by Boltzmann and developed by Volterra. The latter called it the hereditary theory of elasticity (see the references in [19, 43, 116–118, 156]). In modern literature the phrase “hereditary elasticity” is usually replaced by viscoelasticity. The theory of viscoelasticity lies at the foundation of designing many construction elements that have to function under complicated exploiting conditions.