Thermomechanical Analysis TMA

Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) easily and rapidly measures sample displacement (growth, shrinkage, movement, etc.) as a function of temperature, time, and applied force.

Traditionally, thermomechanical analysis (TMA) is used to characterise linear expansion, glass transitions, and softening points of materials by applying a constant force to a specimen while varying temperature. For expansion measurements, a probe rests on a sample on a stage with minimal downward pressure. Other constant force experiments include measurement of penetration, bending, tension, shrinkage, swelling, and creep (sample motion measured as a function of time under an applied load).

In Dynamic TMA (DTMA), a known sinusoidal stress and linear temperature ramp are applied to the sample, and the resulting sinusoidal strain is measured.