Dual beam complex modulus apparatus

System and method for measuring complex shear or Young's modulus of a polymeric material are described wherein first and second beams of preselected lengths and different thicknesses are disposed in parallel spaced relationship firmly held at first ends thereof and first and second spaced gripping members are attached along the beams, a specimen of polymeric material is disposed between confronting surfaces of the gripping members, a time varying force is applied to one beam, the time varying displacements of the beams are measured, and the modulus of the polymeric material is calculated from the measurements.