Is Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) a non-resonance technique?

Department of Applied Mechanics – FEMTO-ST Institute – UMR CNRS 6174 – University of Franche-Comté – 25000 Besançon, France

Abstract

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis is an experimental technique commonly used to study the viscoelastic behaviour of materials over a range of temperatures and frequencies. Although considered as a forced non-resonance technique, the warned users perfectly know that resonant frequencies are inevitably encountered on the typical frequency range of DMA apparatus. In consequences, the measured properties in the area of the resonant frequencies are completely perturbed. This work proposes an analysis of the dynamic behaviour of a Bose Electroforce DMA. The resonant and perturbed frequencies have been identified in different experimental configurations using several materials. A straightforward analytical model was developed to simulate and predict the dynamic behaviour of our apparatus. The model parameters are identified using different experimental configurations. The simulations delivered by the model allow the user to predict the perturbed frequency areas and by this way authorise a strategic definition of the experimental protocol according to the sample characteristics.