Model Fitting

The Fit page provides interactive NLSQ (Nonlinear Least Squares) model fitting with real-time visualization.

Available Models

Models are organized by category:

Classical Models

  • Maxwell: Single exponential relaxation

  • Kelvin-Voigt: Elastic solid with viscous damping

  • Zener (Standard Linear Solid): Maxwell + elastic element

Fractional Models

  • Fractional Maxwell: Viscoelastic with fractional derivatives

  • Fractional Kelvin-Voigt: Fractional creep response

  • Fractional Zener: Fractional standard solid

Flow Models

  • Cross: Shear-thinning flow

  • Carreau: Smoothed shear-thinning

  • Power Law: Simple shear-thinning

  • Herschel-Bulkley: Yield stress + power law

Multi-Mode Models

  • Generalized Maxwell (GMM): Multiple relaxation modes

SGR Models

  • SGR Conventional: Soft glassy rheology

  • SGR Generic: GENERIC framework SGR

Model Selection

Using the Fit model panel

  1. Navigate to the Fit page

  2. In the Fit model panel (left side):

    • Choose the Mode (oscillation/relaxation/creep/rotation)

    • Choose the Model from the dropdown (or type an alias, e.g. GMM)

    • Click Fit Model

Model Information

After selecting a model:

  • Description: Physical interpretation

  • Parameters: List of model parameters

  • Compatible modes: Supported test modes (oscillation, relaxation, etc.)

Initial parameters

The GUI uses initial parameters from the current application state when available; otherwise it falls back to model defaults.

At the moment, the Fit page does not expose an editable parameters table. To fully control initial values/bounds/fixed parameters, use the Python API.

Running the Fit

Starting a Fit

  1. Ensure data is loaded and model selected

  2. Configure options (or use defaults)

  3. Click “Fit Model” button

Progress

During fitting the application status bar updates with progress.

Stopping a Fit

Click “Cancel” to stop early (results may be partial).

Fit Results

Quality Metrics

After fitting completes:

  • : Coefficient of determination (closer to 1 = better)

  • χ²: Chi-squared statistic

  • MPE: Mean percentage error

  • RMSE: Root mean square error

Fitted parameters

Fitted parameter values are listed in the Fit model panel after completion.

Plot Visualization

The plot canvas shows:

Data and Fit

  • Data points: Experimental measurements

  • Fit curve: Model prediction

  • Residuals: Optional residual subplot

Plot Controls

  • Zoom: Mouse wheel or toolbar

  • Pan: Click and drag

  • Reset: Double-click or toolbar button

  • Log scale: Toggle buttons for X/Y axes

Multi-Dataset Fitting

Compare fits across datasets:

  1. Load multiple datasets

  2. Fit each independently

  3. Use Multi-View to compare side-by-side

Residual Analysis

The Fit page includes a residuals panel below the main plot.

Available Plots

  • Residuals vs Fitted: Check for systematic bias

  • Q-Q Plot: Test normality of residuals

  • Histogram: Residual distribution

  • Scale-Location: Check heteroscedasticity

  • Autocorrelation: Check independence

Good Fit Indicators

  • Residuals randomly scattered around zero

  • Q-Q plot follows diagonal line

  • No patterns in autocorrelation

Advanced Options

Optimization Settings

Access via Settings > Fitting Options:

  • Algorithm: NLSQ algorithm variant

  • Max Iterations: Iteration limit

  • Tolerance: Convergence criteria (ftol, xtol)

  • Multi-start: Number of random initializations

Warm Start

Use previous fit results as starting point:

  1. Fit with model A

  2. Switch to similar model B

  3. Enable Warm Start checkbox

  4. Fit model B (starts from model A values)

Batch Fitting

Fit multiple datasets with same model:

  1. Load all datasets

  2. Configure model once

  3. Click Fit All Datasets

Tips for Good Fits

  1. Start simple: Try simpler models first

  2. Check data range: Ensure data spans model features

  3. Initial values: Use Auto Initialize or manual estimates

  4. Bounds: Set physically meaningful constraints

  5. Check residuals: Look for systematic patterns

  6. Compare models: Use R² and AIC for model selection