TA Instruments RSA-G2, Manual

Page: 12 / 127

Dual and Single
Cantilever
Cantilever modes are also known as
·clamped" or ·supported" bending modes
because the support and deformation
points are mechanically fixed to the
sample. In dual cantilever the sample
is clamped at both ends and at the
center. The same clamp is used for single
cantilever and the sample is clamped
between one end and the central clamp.
Single cantilever allows for testing of shorter
sample lengths. Cantilever is ideal for
general-purpose testing of thermoplastics
and elastomers and other highly damped
materials, as well as measuring transitions
of coatings on substrates.
Sample Size: Up to 38 mm long, 12.5 mm
wide, and 1.5 mm thick.
Shear Sandwich
In Shear Sandwich, two equal-size pieces
of a material are ·sandwiched" between
two ends and a central plate. The applied
deformation is parallel to the sample
thickness and the resultant deformation
is simple shear. Typical samples tested
include polymer melts, foams, elastomers,
gels, pastes, and other soft solids or high
viscosity liquids.
Sample Size: Includes three inter­
changeable central shearing plates to
accommodate sample thicknesses of
0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mm; shearing surface is
15 mm square.
Clamping Systems
11
Compression
In this mode, the sample is placed
between upper and lower round plates
and deformed under various conditions
of compression. Compression can be
used for testing of many low to moderate
modulus materials including foams,
elastomers, gels, and other soft solids.
Sample Size: includes three inter­
changeable sets of plates 8, 15, and
25 mm in diameter; maximum sample
thickness is 15 mm.
Contact Lens Fixture
The Contact Lens Fixture was designed
for testing the dynamic mechanical
properties of contact lenses submersed in
saline solution over a specific temperature
range.