An Approach to Characterize Nonlinear Viscoelastic Material Behavior Using Dynamic Mechanical Tests and Analyses

Traditional methods of viscoelastic material characterization have not been able to rapidly characterize nonlinear viscoelastic materials. Dynamic mechanical analysis has been a method in which only linear viscoelastic material properties are rapidly identifying. Herein, dynamic mechanical analysis is extended to provide a method of nonlinear characterization. The proposed method is based on an extension of Schapery’s nonlinear viscoelastic model to dynamic mechanical theory. The oscillatory loading during a dynamic test is accounted for by expanding the nonlinear viscoelastic model on stress. An experimental protocol is established and utilized in the characterization of thin film polyethylene for validation of the nonlinear dynamic mechanical theory.