Modeling of a constant Q: Methodology and algorithm for an efficient and optimally inexpensive viscoelastic technique

Linear anelastic phenomena in wave propagation problems can be well modeled through a viscoelastic mechanical model consisting of standard linear solids. In this paper we present a method for modeling of constant Q as a function of frequency based on an explicit closed formula for calculation of the parameter fields. Several standard linear solids connected in parallel can be tuned through a single parameter to yield an excellent constant Q approximation. The proposed method enables substantial savings in computations and memory requirements. Experiments show that the new method also yields higher accuracy in the modeling of Q than, e.g., the Padé approximant method.