Dynamic Mechanical Analysis - DMA Analysis

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, better known as DMA analysis, is a powerful tool for understanding the thermal and mechanical properties of non-metallic materials. Element experts use Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) to measure a wide range of material properties, including modulus, damping, and curing, among others.

What is dynamic mechanical analysis?

DMA analysis measures the modulus (stiffness) and damping (energy dissipation) of materials as they are deformed under periodic stress. Using deformation as the primary variable for evaluation, DMA provides information about a material’s glass transition temperature (tg) and deterioration limit.

What are the advantages of dynamic mechanical analysis? 

DMA analysis can be used to assess the effects of temperature on a material and characterize its physical properties. Compared to other forms of thermal testing, DMA is commonly chosen due to its ability to provide detailed and precise results. DMA analysis helps determine fundamental transition temperatures, such as glass transition, and how that value changes with material formulation and conditioning. 

Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA)

DMTA is a technique used to study the mechanical properties of materials as they undergo temperature changes. This technique is commonly used in materials science and engineering to evaluate the behavior of polymers, composites, and other complex materials.

DMA test procedure 

A specimen is subjected to oscillating force, by measuring the resulting displacement or strain over a range of temperatures. By measuring the response to the application of the force, information about the stiffness, elasticity, damping properties, and other mechanical characteristics as a function of temperature.

Application of dynamic mechanical analysis

The mechanical response of different materials being considered for an application can be compared over the temperature range anticipated in service. For more advanced applications, DMA can include stress-relaxation behavior and creep testing.

Dynamic mechanical analysis of polymers 

DMA is a valuable tool for studying the mechanical behavior of polymer materials as it can provide insight into the viscoelastic properties. Polymers are known for their complex mechanical behavior, which can be affected by factors such as temperature, frequency, and the presence of other materials.

DMA analysis of composites

DMA can be used to study these effects and measure important parameters such as the glass transition temperature (tg), the storage modulus, the loss modulus, and the damping factor of the polymer.

Our DMA analysis capabilities 

Element experts use DMA analysis to measure many materials including composites, polymers, coatings, adhesives, and plastics as well as solids and liquids. We also use this method for plastics, rubbers, and other polymeric materials, which have mechanical and viscoelastic properties that are subject to time, frequency, and a very large range of temperatures.

We use DMA analysis to measure the properties of the following materials:

• Modulus
• Creep and stress relaxation
• Film/tension behavior
• Damping
• Glass transition and softening temperature
• Cure behavior

We can perform DMA tests following several international standards and test requirements including ASTM D4065, ASTM D7078, ASTM E1640, and IPC-TM-650.

The Element advantage

Element has a global network of laboratories and is a world leader in providing routine mechanical testing services such as tensile testing, impact testing, or hardness testing. Our DMA tests offer an essential insight into the functionality and performance of materials across multiple industries, including Polymer and Plastics, Aerospace, Automotive, Construction, and Medical.

A multidisciplinary team of test engineers and state-of-the-art equipment allows us to provide DMA analysis for any non-metallic material and advise on sample considerations.  

For your specific DMA analysis needs, or to speak to our experts, contact us today.