Patent ID: 7441465

Claim:
A method for testing a thin specimen sample, the method comprising: supporting the sample with a spanning portion spanning in an environment between at least three points not in a line, wherein the points are fixed relative to each other, and wherein the spanning portion is capable of displacement relative to the points; applying an oscillating mechanical excitation at at least one frequency and at at least one known amplitude to the spanning portion; applying at least one other mechanical excitation to the spanning portion independently of the oscillating mechanical excitation; obtaining a first force-displacement response of the spanning portion of the sample relative to the applied oscillating mechanical excitation, and obtaining a second force-displacement response of the spanning portion of the sample relative to the at least one other mechanical excitation, wherein the first force-displacement response comprises an amplitude response and/or phase response relative to the applied oscillating mechanical excitation; and providing an indication of at least one mechanical property of the material from which the specimen is made based on the first force-displacement response.