A model for the nonlinear viscoelastic response in polymers at finite strains (Q1286106)

New constitutive equations are derived for viscoelastic media which do not possess the separability property. The model extends the concept of transient polymeric networks by assuming the rates of breakage and reformation of adaptive links to depend on strain energy density. This permits to describe the mechanically induced aging/rejuvenation of polymers. To verify the constitutive relations, we use experimental data. As an example of inhomogeneous deformations, we analyze inflation of a thick-walled viscoelastic spherical vessel under the action of internal pressure. The effect of material parameters on stresses and displacements is studied numerically.