OVERVIEW
Damping Technologies, Inc. has developed a hardware and software package to conduct Vibrating Beam Technique (VBT) measurements and associating data processing for characterization of the dynamic mechanical material properties of viscoelastic material. In broad terms, the package includes:

• Automated Data Acquisition
• Data Storage and Management
• Data Post Processing (Temperature-Frequency Superposition and Data Curve Fitting)
• Surface Damping Treatment Design Prediction

Although many test techniques have been used to measure dynamic mechanical properties of viscoelastic materials, the vibrating beam technique is often utilized because it is conductive to routine data acquisition over wide temperature and frequency ranges.

This technique is based upon analysis developed by Ross, Kerwin, and Ungar (RKU) in which the dynamic material properties of viscoelastic materials can be extracted from measurements made on homogeneous beams as well as composite beams. The composite beam is a generalized term referring to a beam that consists of viscoelastic material in combination with a metal beam (or beams). These can be configured to yield properties in shear or extensional states of stress. Evaluating material properties for a number of material properties. Placing the test fixture inside an environmental chamber can establish the effects of temperature.

The technique has been adopted by the American Standards for Testing of Materials as the preferred method for determination of the damping properties of materials. The details of the procedure can be found in ASTM E-756-98.

Please Contact Us with any inquiry regarding the VBT System.