  In this paper, we present a theory of six classes of vibrators with
variable-order fractional forces of inertia, damping, and restoration. The
novelty and contributions of the present theory are reflected in six aspects.
1) Equivalent motion equations of those variable-order fractional vibrators are
proposed. 2) The analytical expressions of the effective mass, damping, and
stiffness of those variable-order fractional vibrators are presented. 3) The
asymptotic properties of the effective mass, damping, and stiffness of a class
of variable-order fractional vibrators are given. 4) The restricted effective
parameters (damping ratio, damping free natural frequency, damped natural
frequency, frequency ratio) of the variable-order fractional vibrators are put
forward. 5) We bring forward the analytical representations of the free
responses, the impulse responses, and the frequency transfer functions of those
variable-order fractional vibrators. 6) We propose a solution to an open
problem of how to mathematically explain the Rayleigh damping assumption based
on the present theory of variable-order fractional vibrations.
