The frequency dependence of the real and imaginary parts of a nickel o
scillator's transfer function is described over 3 decades in frequency
by the use of simple expressions. These expressions incorporate only
the resonance frequency omega(0), the quality factor Q, and a characte
ristic exponent beta determined by a single measurement of creep. They
are based on the ansatz phi(omega) = Q(-1)(omega/omega(0))(-beta), wh
ere phi is the imaginary part of the spring constant. Over a 100 K ran
ge of temperature T, the exponent beta similar or equal to 0.18 was co
nstant even though Q(T) changed by a factor of 8. These expressions ar
e potentially useful for accurately describing a mechanical oscillator
whose transfer function must be modeled at frequencies far below omeg
a(0). Examples include accelerometers based on a flexure element and s
uspensions for interferometric gravitational wave detectors.