How to Measure Modulus with a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer

Proper calibration of your Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) is a requirement for measuring accurate modulus. So please make sure your DMA has been properly calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. First, make sure that your specimen is representative of your complete sample. If you are measuring the bending modulus of a stiff polymer or composite sample, you might use a machine shop to prepare the specimen. Next, make sure the faces of your sample are smooth. With a little advance planning, it is easy to get accurate modulus measurements from your DMA.