Design of a fibre viscoelastometer

A fibre viscoelastometer capable of measuring the magnitude and loss angle of the complex moduli of fibrous materials has been developed. The apparatus allows for measurement to be made at different frequencies, under varying conditions of extension, rate of extension, humidity, temperature and against time. The conditions for equating the measured modulus and phase angle to the modulus and loss angle of the material under test is discussed. The limitations in measuring dynamic stress are analysed and the use of a piezoelectric element for stress measurement is explained. The instrumentation chosen allowed for measurements to be made in the frequency range 6-1500 Hz.