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A dynamic Young's modulus measurement system for highly compliant polymers
François M Guillot1, D H Trivett
1George W Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0405, USA. francois.guillot@me.gatech.edu
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|September 30, 2003
Summary
A new system measures the complex Young
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Polymer Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Characterizing the mechanical properties of elastomers under various conditions is crucial for their application.
- Existing methods may have limitations in determining the complex Young's modulus of highly compliant materials at elevated hydrostatic pressures and temperatures.
- Understanding elastomer behavior under combined pressure and temperature is essential for predicting performance in demanding environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel experimental system for determining the complex Young's modulus of highly compliant elastomers.
- To enable measurements as a function of elevated hydrostatic pressure and temperature.
- To investigate the effects of lateral inertia on wave propagation and its impact on modulus measurements.
Main Methods:
- A sample bar adhered to a piezoelectric shaker mounted vertically within a pressure vessel.
- Two independent techniques: resonant method (100 Hz - 1 kHz) and wave propagation method (up to 5 kHz), both using laser Doppler vibrometers.
- Temperature control via an environmental chamber, with hydrostatic pressures up to 2.07 MPa and temperatures from -2°C to 50°C.
Main Results:
- The system successfully obtained Young's modulus data for two commercial elastomers (Rubatex R451N, Goodrich Thorodin AQ21) across the specified frequency, pressure, and temperature ranges.
- Experimental data demonstrated the influence of lateral inertia on wave propagation, leading to dispersive effects.
- The study quantified the impact of these dispersive effects on the accuracy of Young's modulus measurements.
Conclusions:
- The developed system provides a robust method for characterizing elastomer viscoelastic properties under challenging conditions.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering lateral inertia in dynamic mechanical analysis of elastomers.
- This research contributes to a more accurate understanding and prediction of elastomer performance in high-pressure and variable-temperature applications.