Characterization of Mechanical Properties of Viscoelastic Materials Through Experimental Modal Tests Using an Inverse Technique

Characterizing viscoelastic polymersViscoelastic polymers is challenging due to their unique combination of elastic and viscous properties. Accurate identification of their mechanical propertiesMechanical properties is crucial for understanding their dynamic behaviour. Traditional methods like creep and stress relaxation tests are time-consuming and require specialized equipment. To address this, a novel inverse technique is proposed in this study for estimating the storage and loss moduli of viscoelastic materials using experimental modal test data. The technique considers a three-layered sandwich structureStructure with isotropic face layers and a viscoelastic core layer. By integrating experimental measurements with mathematical modelling, an iterative process updates material parameters to minimize the difference between modelModel and experimental results. Experimental case studies using dynamic mechanical analysis tests validate the technique, showing accurate estimation of frequency-dependent moduli with < 3% maximum error. This non-destructive and cost-effective approach enables improved material selection, design optimization, and enhanced performance in various engineering applications.