Wave hierarchies in viscoelasticity

An evolution operator L(n) with n arbitrary, typical of several models, is analyzed. When n=1 the operator characterizes the Standard Linear Solid of viscoelasticity, whose properties are already extablished in previous papers. The fundamental solution l E(n) of L(n) is explictly obtained and it's estimated in terms of the fundamental solution E(1) of L(1). So, whatever n may be, asymptotic properties and maximum theorems are achieved. These results are applied to the Rouse model and reptation model, which describe different aspects of polymer chains.