DMTA (Dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis (AKA - Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA))

Applies a non-destructive oscillating force to a sample and studies the effect the environmental conditions on the viscoelastic properties (thought of as stiffness) of the material e.g. normally as you heat a sample it becomes softer, but how soft and at what temperature? Typical materials analysed include polymers, biomaterials and metals providing information such as; glass transition temperature, changes in viscoelastic properties as a function of temperature or humidity which helps ensure meeting of technical specification.