Patent ID: 6880385
Filing Date: 2005-04-19
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of performing a dynamic mechanical analysis, wherein a test specimen is coupled to an excitation device by means of a holder device, wherein the excitation device applies an excitation force comprised of a static pre-tensioning force component and a time-variable force component to the test specimen, and wherein a deformation of the test specimen is measured by means of at least one displacement sensor, the method comprising a test phase with the steps: applying the excitation force to the test specimen; while said excitation force is in effect, determining at least one decision parameter, said decision parameter being indicative of a degree of slack in said coupling of the test specimen; comparing said decision parameter to at least one reference value; based on said comparison, determining whether or not the test specimen is coupled to the excitation device in a completely slack-free state, so that physical values derived from said measurements of the deformation will not be subject to errors caused by an insufficient amount of said pre-tensioning force component.