Fractional Kelvin–Voigt Model for Beam Vibrations: Numerical Simulations and Approximation Using a Classical Model

In this study, a cantilever beam with a tip mass under base excitation was analyzed, with system damping modeled using a fractional derivative approach. By applying the Rayleigh–Ritz method, the governing equation was decomposed into spatial and temporal components. Analytical solutions for the temporal equation were derived; however, their complexity posed challenges for practical application. To address this, convergence acceleration techniques were employed to efficiently evaluate slowly converging series representations. Additionally, two methods for identifying the parameters of a classical model approximating the fractional system were investigated: a geometric approach based on waveform shape analysis and an optimization procedure utilizing a genetic algorithm. The identified harmonic oscillator reproduced the dynamic response of the fractional model with an average relative error typically below 5% for off-resonance excitation. Overall, the study presents a robust analytical framework for solving fractional-order vibration problems and demonstrates effective strategies for their approximation using classical harmonic models.