Thermo Mechanical Analysis (TMA)
National Technical Systems (NTS)
TMA is used to characterize 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).