On a nonlinear inverse problem in viscoelasticity

Abstract

We consider an inverse problem for determining an inhomogeneity in a viscoelastic body of the Zener type, using Cauchy boundary data, under cyclic loads at low frequency. We show that the inverse problem reduces to the one for the Helmholtz equation and to the same nonlinear Calderon equation given for the harmonic case. A method of solution is proposed which consists in two steps: solution of a source inverse problem, then solution of a linear Volterra integral equation.