A minimal network model for creep

Abstract

We present a minimal rheological network model for the creep function in plastic flow. The model has a very small number of elements-a maximum of two linear springs, two Newtonian dashpots and a frictional mass. No non-Newtonian dashpots or other nonlinear elements are invoked. A wide variety of creep-curve shapes including those with inflection points across which the curvature changes sign are shown to be reproduced by the model and its sub-cases.