Department of Materials Science and Engineering

The Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) can be used to measure dimensional and viscoelastic changes as a function of temperature or time. The DMA is capable of measuring the viscoelastic changes as a function of periodic changes in the stress applied to the sample. The DMA primarily consists of three components: the Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT), a furnace and a linear motor for probe loading. The LVDT measures displacement by detecting a change in voltage caused by movement of the probe through a magnetic core. The change in voltage is related to the displacement of the probe. The top section of the LVDT is the linear motor which provides the load for the static force used during the runs.