On variable-order fractional linear viscoelasticity

Abstract: We discuss a generalisation of fractional linear viscoelasticity based on Scarpi's approach to variable-order fractional calculus. After reviewing the general mathematical framework, we introduce the variable-order fractional Maxwell model as a simple example for our analysis. We then provide some physical considerations for the fractionalisation procedure and on the choice of the transition functions. Lastly, we compute the material functions for the considered model and evaluate them numerically for exponential-type and Mittag-Leffler-type order functions.