This paper presents a novel apparatus, combined with application of the Virtual Fields Method (VFM) for the high frequency characterisation of the mechanical response of ultra-soft materials. The viscoelastic response is characterised under harmonic deviatoric loading at a range of frequencies using the dynamic VFM in the frequency domain. Obtaining useful high rate data on soft materials is challenging using typical test methodologies, as the low speed of sound in the material makes stress equilibrium difficult to obtain; additionally, the low stiffness results in small stresses and weak measurement signals. This novel apparatus and analysis method have been shown capable of obtaining important material characterisation data that would be impossible to access using currently existing test techniques.

中文翻译：

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用虚拟场法表征超软聚合物的频率响应

本文提出了一种新型装置，结合虚拟场法 (VFM) 的应用，用于对超软材料的机械响应进行高频表征。使用频域中的动态 VFM，在一定频率范围内的谐波偏载下表征粘弹性响应。使用典型的测试方法获得有用的软材料的高速率数据具有挑战性，因为材料中的低声速使得难以获得应力平衡；此外，低刚度导致小应力和弱测量信号。这种新颖的设备和分析方法已被证明能够获得使用当前现有测试技术无法获得的重要材料表征数据。