This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: E1876 − 15

Standard Test Method for

Dynamic Young’s Modulus, Shear Modulus, and Poisson’s
Ratio by Impulse Excitation of Vibration1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1876; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-

1.1 This test method covers determination of the dynamic priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
elastic properties of elastic materials at ambient temperatures. bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Specimens of these materials possess specific mechanical 2. Referenced Documents
resonant frequencies that are determined by the elastic
modulus, mass, and geometry of the test specimen. The 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
dynamic elastic properties of a material can therefore be C215 Test Method for Fundamental Transverse,
computed if the geometry, mass, and mechanical resonant Longitudinal, and Torsional Resonant Frequencies of
frequencies of a suitable (rectangular or cylindrical geometry) Concrete Specimens
test specimen of that material can be measured. Dynamic C372 Test Method for Linear Thermal Expansion of Porce-
Young’s modulus is determined using the resonant frequency lain Enamel and Glaze Frits and Fired Ceramic Whiteware
in either the flexural or longitudinal mode of vibration. The Products by the Dilatometer Method
dynamic shear modulus, or modulus of rigidity, is found using C623 Test Method for Young’s Modulus, Shear Modulus,
torsional resonant vibrations. Dynamic Young’s modulus and and Poisson’s Ratio for Glass and Glass-Ceramics by
dynamic shear modulus are used to compute Poisson’s ratio. Resonance
C747 Test Method for Moduli of Elasticity and Fundamental
1.2 Although not specifically described herein, this test Frequencies of Carbon and Graphite Materials by Sonic
method can also be performed at cryogenic and high tempera- Resonance
tures with suitable equipment modifications and appropriate C848 Test Method for Young’s Modulus, Shear Modulus,
modifications to the calculations to compensate for thermal and Poisson’s Ratio For Ceramic Whitewares by Reso-
expansion. nance
1.3 There are material specific ASTM standards that cover C1161 Test Method for Flexural Strength of Advanced
the determination of resonance frequencies and elastic proper- Ceramics at Ambient Temperature
ties of specific materials by sonic resonance or by impulse C1198 Test Method for Dynamic Young’s Modulus, Shear
excitation of vibration. Test Methods C215, C623, C747, C848, Modulus, and Poisson’s Ratio for Advanced Ceramics by
C1198, and C1259 may differ from this test method in several Sonic Resonance
areas (for example; sample size, dimensional tolerances, C1259 Test Method for Dynamic Young’s Modulus, Shear
sample preparation). The testing of these materials shall be Modulus, and Poisson’s Ratio for Advanced Ceramics by
done in compliance with these material specific standards. Impulse Excitation of Vibration
Where possible, the procedures, sample specifications and E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
calculations are consistent with these test methods. E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as ASTM Test Methods
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 3. Terminology
standard.
3.1 Definitions:
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.1 The definitions of terms relating to mechanical testing
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
appearing in Terminology E6 and C1198 should be considered
as applying to the terms used in this test method.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E28 on
Mechanical Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E28.04 on
2
Uniaxial Testing. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2015. Published March 2016. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as E1876 – 09. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E1876-15. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 E1876 − 15
3.1.2 dynamic elastic modulus, n—the elastic modulus, limit is required, the procedure and the sensitivity of the test
either Young’s modulus or shear modulus, that is measured in equipment should be specified.
a dynamic mechanical measurement. 3.1.8 shear modulus, G [FL–2 ], n—the ratio of shear stress
3.1.3 dynamic mechanical measurement, n—a technique in to corresponding shear strain below the proportional limit, also
which either the modulus or damping, or both, of a substance called torsional modulus and modulus of rigidity.
under oscillatory applied force or displacement is measured as 3.1.8.1 Discussion—The value of the shear modulus may
a function of temperature, frequency, or time, or combination depend on the direction in which it is measured if the material
thereof. is not isotropic. Wood, many plastics and certain metals are
3.1.4 elastic limit [FL–2], n—the greatest stress that a markedly anisotropic. Deviations from isotropy should be
material is capable of sustaining without permanent strain suspected if the shear modulus differs from that determined by
remaining upon complete release of the stress. E6 substituting independently measured values of Young’s
–2 modulus, E, and Poisson’s ratio, µ, in the relation:
3.1.5 modulus of elasticity [FL ], n—the ratio of stress to
corresponding strain below the proportional limit.
3.1.5.1 Discussion—The stress-strain relationships of many E
G5
materials do not conform to Hooke’s law throughout the elastic 2 ~ 11µ !
range, but deviate therefrom even at stresses well below the 3.1.8.2 Discussion—In general, it is advisable in reporting
elastic limit. For such materials, the slope of either the tangent values of shear modulus to state the range of stress over which
to the stress-strain curve at the origin or at a low stress, the it is measured. E6
secant drawn from the origin to any specified point on the 3.1.9 Young’s modulus, E [FL–2 ], n—the ratio of tensile or
stress-strain curve, or the chord connecting any two specified compressive stress to corresponding strain below the propor-
points on the stress-strain curve is usually taken to be the tional limit of the material. E6
“modulus of elasticity.” In these cases, the modulus should be
designated as the “tangent modulus,” the “secant modulus,” or 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
the “chord modulus,” and the point or points on the stress- 3.2.1 anti-nodes, n—two or more locations in an uncon-
strain curve described. Thus, for materials where the stress- strained slender rod or bar in resonance that have local
strain relationship is curvilinear rather than linear, one of the maximum displacements.
four following terms may be used: 3.2.1.1 Discussion—For the fundamental flexure resonance,
(a) initial tangent modulus [FL–2], n—the slope of the the anti-nodes are located at the two ends and the center of the
stress-strain curve at the origin. specimen.
(b) tangent modulus [FL–2 ], n—the slope of the stress- 3.2.2 elastic, adj—the property of a material such that an
strain curve at any specified stress or strain. application of stress within the elastic limit of that material
(c) secant modulus [FL–2], n—the slope of the secant making up the body being stressed will cause an instantaneous
drawn from the origin to any specified point on the stress-strain and uniform deformation, which will be eliminated upon
curve. removal of the stress, with the body returning instantly to its
(d) chord modulus [FL–2 ], n—the slope of the chord drawn original size and shape without energy loss. Most elastic
between any two specified points on the stress-strain curve materials conform to this definition well enough to make this
below the elastic limit of the material. resonance test valid.
3.1.5.2 Discussion—Modulus of elasticity, like stress, is
expressed in force per unit of area (pounds per square inch, 3.2.3 flexural vibrations, n—the vibrations that occur when
etc.). the oscillations in a slender rod or bar are in a plane normal to
the length dimension.
3.1.6 Poisson’s ratio, µ, n—the negative of the ratio of
transverse strain to the corresponding axial strain resulting 3.2.4 homogeneous, adj—the condition of a specimen such
from an axial stress below the proportional limit of the that the composition and density are uniform, so that any
material. smaller specimen taken from the original is representative of
3.1.6.1 Discussion—Poisson’s ratio may be negative for the whole.
some materials, for example, a tensile transverse strain will 3.2.4.1 Discussion—Practically, as long as the geometrical
result from a tensile axial strain. dimensions of the test specimen are large with respect to the
3.1.6.2 Discussion—Poisson’s ratio will have more than one size of individual grains, crystals, components, pores, or
value if the material is not isotropic. E6 microcracks, the body can be considered homogeneous.
3.1.7 proportional limit [FL–2] , n—the greatest stress that a 3.2.5 in-plane flexure, n—for rectangular parallelepiped
material is capable of sustaining without deviation from geometries, a flexure mode in which the direction of displace-
proportionality of stress to strain (Hooke’s law). E6 ment is in the major plane of the test specimen.
3.1.7.1 Discussion—Many experiments have shown that 3.2.6 isotropic, adj—the condition of a specimen such that
values observed for the proportional limit vary greatly with the the values of the elastic properties are the same in all directions
sensitivity and accuracy of the testing equipment, eccentricity in the material.
of loading, the scale to which the stress-strain diagram is 3.2.6.1 Discussion—Materials are considered isotropic on a
plotted, and other factors. When determination of proportional macroscopic scale, if they are homogeneous and there is a

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 E1876 − 15
random distribution and orientation of phases, crystallites, T1 = correction factor for fundamental flexural mode to
components, pores, or microcracks. account for finite thickness of bar and Poisson’s ratio;
3.2.7 longitudinal vibrations, n—the vibrations that occur defined in Eq 2
when the oscillations in a slender rod or bar are parallel to the T1' = correction factor for fundamental flexural mode to
length of the rod or bar. account for finite diameter of rod, Poisson’s ratio;
defined in Eq 4 and Eq 6
3.2.8 nodes, n—one or more locations of a slender rod or bar b = specimen width
in resonance that have a constant zero displacement. f = frequency
3.2.8.1 Discussion—For the fundamental flexural f0 = resonant frequency at room temperature in furnace or
resonance, the nodes are located at 0.224 L from each end, cryogenic chamber
where L is the length of the specimen. f1 = first natural resonant frequency; used in Eq A1.2
f2 = second natural frequency; used in Eq A1.3
3.2.9 out-of-plane flexure, n—for rectangular parallelepiped ff = fundamental resonant frequency of bar in flexure; used
geometries, a flexure mode in which the direction of displace- in Eq 1
ment is perpendicular to the major plane of the test specimen. fl = fundamental longitudinal resonant frequency of a
3.2.10 resonant frequency, n—naturally occurring frequen- slender bar; used in Eq 7 and Eq 9
fT = resonant frequency measured in the furnace or cryo-
cies of a body driven into flexural, torsional, or longitudinal
genic chamber at temperature T, used in Eq 16
vibration that are determined by the elastic modulus, mass, and
ft = fundamental resonant frequency of bar in torsion; used
dimensions of the body.
in Eq 12 and Eq 14
3.2.10.1 Discussion—The lowest resonant frequency in a m = specimen mass
given vibrational mode is the fundamental resonant frequency n = the order of the resonance (n=1,2,3,...)
of that mode. r = radius of the disk, used in Eq A1.1
3.2.11 slender rod or bar, n—in dynamic elastic property t = specimen, disk or bar, thickness
T1 = correction factor for fundamental flexural mode to
testing, a specimen whose ratio of length to minimum cross-
account for finite thickness of the bar and Poisson’s
sectional dimension is at least five and preferably in the range
ratio; defined in Eq 2
from 20 to 25. T’1 = correction factor for fundamental flexural mode to
3.2.12 torsional vibrations, n—the vibrations that occur account for finite thickness of the rod and Poisson’s
when the oscillations in each cross-sectional plane of a slender ratio; defined in Eq 4
rod or bar are such that the plane twists around the length ∆T = temperature difference between the test temperature T
dimension axis. and room temperature, used in Eq 16
α = average linear thermal expansion coefficient
3.3 Symbols:
(mm/mm/°C) from room temperature to test tempera-
A = plate constant; used in Eq A1.1 ture; used in Eq 16
D = diameter of rod or diameter of disk µ = Poisson’s ratio
De = effective diameter of the bar; defined in Eq 10 and ρ = density of the disk; used in Eq A1.1
Eq 11
4. Summary of Test Method
E = dynamic Young’s modulus; defined in Eq 1 and Eq 4,
and Eq A1.4 4.1 This test method measures the fundamental resonant
E1 = first natural calculation of the dynamic Young’s frequency of test specimens of suitable geometry by exciting
modulus, used in Eq A1.2 them mechanically by a singular elastic strike with an impulse
E2 = second natural calculation of the dynamic Young’s tool. A transducer (for example, contact accelerometer or
modulus. used in Eq A1.3 non-contacting microphone) senses the resulting mechanical
G = dynamic shear modulus, defined in Eq 12, Eq 14, and vibrations of the specimen and transforms them into electric
Eq A1.5 signals. Specimen supports, impulse locations, and signal
K = correction factor for the fundamental longitudinal pick-up points are selected to induce and measure specific
mode to account for the finite diameter-to-length ratio modes of the transient vibrations. The signals are analyzed, and
and Poisson’s Ratio, defined in Eq 8 the fundamental resonant frequency is isolated and measured
Ki = geometric factor for the resonant frequency of order i, by the signal analyzer, which provides a numerical reading that
see Table A1.2 and Table A1.3 is (or is proportional to) either the frequency or the period of
L = specimen length the specimen vibration. The appropriate fundamental resonant
MT = dynamic elastic modulus at temperature T (either the frequencies, dimensions, and mass of the specimen are used to
dynamic Young’s modulus E, or the dynamic shear calculate dynamic Young’s modulus, dynamic shear modulus,
modulus G) and Poisson’s ratio.
M0 = dynamic elastic modulus at room temperature (either
the dynamic Young’s modulus E or the dynamic shear 5. Significance and Use
modulus G) 5.1 This test method may be used for material development,
R = correction factor the geometry of the bar, defined in Eq
characterization, design data generation, and quality control
13
purposes.