Introduced over 20 years ago and continually refined, the Dynastat Mechanical Spectrometer is a precision instrument for the characterization of viscoelastic solids such as plastics, elastomers, composite materials, biological specimens such as bone and cartilage, and prosthetic materials. A new electromagnetic driver and custom power amplifier provide ultra-smooth sample deformation and unmatched ability to accurately measure dynamic loss factor and modulus. Testing modes include transient stress relaxation and creep, dynamic sinusoidal and constant strain rate tests. The instrument provides drive capabilities for samples ranging from soft elastomers to rigid composites. Manufactured with the highest quality components, the Dynastat is known for its high reliability and data integrity.

Test Frame - Exceedingly stiff frame allows for a wide range of materials using a broad selection of test geometries with minimal error from machine compliance. The sample testing range spans dynamic and static loads from -10 Kg to + 10 Kg (-100 to + 100 N), a deformation range from -5 to 5 mm and frequency range from true DC to 100 Hz. Deformation can be measured with either of two transducers, while either transducer is being used for displacement control. The high range transducer covers the full -5 to 5 mm range. The low range transducer covers a range of -0.5 to +0.5 mm and can be zeroed at any point in the full operating range, thereby providing exceptional resolution of very small displacements on stiff samples in a dynamic test. The load cell is very stiff and is compensated to provide both low zero drift and high linearity.

Main Control Unit - Contains highly reliable electronics and simplified operation with the Program and Control System(PCS) or for manual control. Capability is provided to control load or displacement, with true DC coupling for static commands and dynamic control to 100 Hz. Fully buffered inputs and outputs interface to the PCS with minimal errors due to ground loops.

Power Amplifier - Engineered for superior reliability, with matched impedance output to the electromagnetic linear motor for high performance from DC to 100 Hz. A high efficiency bridge power output stage provides minimal heat generation, long life and virtually no signal distortion. The smart output circuitry provides mixed voltage and current feedback control, which greatly simplifies operation and performance in load or displacement control modes.

Temperature Chamber - Two chambers are available. The standard version has an operating range from -150 to 250 C, and the high temperature version a range from -100 to 400 C. Operation below ambient requires liquid nitrogen, while an automatic switch to air operation above ambient conserves nitrogen use. Both versions utilize an integrating double chamber construction that provides superior temperature stability even when using liquid nitrogen. Temperature control to 0.1C is obtained when used with the Program and Control System. Software limits can be chosen to restrict the programmable temperature range for heat sensitive materials.

Test Specimen Geometry - A wide selection of test fixtures is available for testing many materials and sample geometries.

Program and Control System(PCS) - A master-servant two-computer system for autonomous (without master intervention) data acquisition with software programmable temperature test sequences and program variables such as static and dynamic commands and test frequencies. The high resolution data acquisition boards, power of twos auto-ranging, zero suppression features and FFT processing of the digital data provide superior dynamic modulus and loss factor results. Two virtual oscilloscope functions (scanning-storage type and xy type) are included in the Program and Control System, each with a full complement of controls. Automatic zero suppression enables the viewing of dynamic signals at high gain in the presence of large static signals. A utility program for master to servant downloads is provided for field upgradable servant software to ensure easy updates and the most current capabilities.