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

Abstract

Linear viscoelastic properties may be rapidly identified using dynamic mechanical analysis methods, yet these traditional methods do not properly identify nonlinear viscoelastic response. Herein, dynamic mechanical methodologies are extended to provide an approach for nonlinear characterization. The proposed method is based on Schapery's nonlinear viscoelastic model extended to dynamic mechanical theory. The oscillatory loading during a dynamic test is addressed within the nonlinear viscoelastic model. An experimental protocol is established. Analyses and experiments are performed for the characterization of thin-film polyethylene to validate the approach.