Sensitivity analysis of Polymer Laboratories' dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer

Polymer Laboratories' dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DTMA) measures the dynamic Young's or shear modulus and loss factor of viscoelastic materials. The DMTA infers the modulus and loss factor by measuring the response of a small sample to forced vibrations in a small material sample. An analysis of the parameters affecting the DMTA dynamic modulus and loss factor data is presented. Test results are affected by errors in the input parameters or by violating the assumptions leading to the solution. The extent to which either error affects the test results is quantified. As a result of this analysis, recommended DMTA test procedures are presented.