A Classification of Rheological Properties

The behaviour of complex materials under strain is often described in terms of dashpots and springs coupled in series and parallel (the analytical method). A brief history of this method is given and various simple combinations ascribed to St Venant, Bingham, Schwedoff, Kelvin, Burgers and Schofield-Scott Blair are described. In some cases frictional forces are also introduced to describe plastic phenomena. Structural formulae constructed from combinations of these elements are proposed and their interrelationship is shown in tabular form. Many rheologically complex properties can be classified in this way, but dilatancy and strength are excluded.