Abstract: | When modelling unbounded domains, formulation of a matrix‐valued force–displacement relationship which can take radiation damping into account is of major importance. In this paper, a method to describe the dynamic stiffness by a system of fractional differential equations in the time‐domain is presented. Here, a doubly asymptotic rational approximation of the low‐frequency force–displacement relationship is used, whereas a direct interpretation of the asymptotic part as a fractional derivative is possible. The numerical solution of the corresponding system of fractional differential equations is demonstrated using the infinite beam on elastic foundation as an example. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |