How non-integer order derivatives can be useful to rheology

Abstract

In this work we extend a numerical method developed by the group for the solution of fractional differential equations governing the flow of complex fluids. The method is robust and can now deal with graded meshes in time. The grading can be performed in a semi-automatic way, taking into account the evolution in time of the gradient of stress. We also explore the ability of fractional viscoleastic models to fit rheological data obtained from small-amplitude oscillatory shear experiments with blood.