Dow Corning Sygard gel

[Scott_Decker]

My research group is working with Sygard gel as a model material for human brain tissue but we do not have any definitive data to calibrate with on its Young's, bulk, or shear moduli. I was wondering if there is any data available for this material under constant strain rate in compression or shear. Thanks,
-Scott

[Jorgen]

You might be interested in the following thread (http://www.polymerfem.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=388&highlight=brain) that also discusses Sygard gels.

Perhaps you have more insight into the behavior that was reported for this material :)

- Jorgen

[Scott_Decker]

Jorgen,
Thanks for the link, it's funny because I actually work with Sarthak on that gel and we have both been experiencing problems with our data. I was not aware he had posted here looking for insight into the problem. The Young's and shear moduli were both measured using a Rheometrics Solid Analyzer II and because of the irregularity of the data and the age of the machine, I was looking for some comparison data to calibrate the machine's output. The bulk modulus was found using a Kolski bar apparatus using high strain rate under impact and should be accurate, unfortunately it is just the rest of the data that is troublesome. Is there possibly another elastomer that has good data published for constant strain rate in compression and shear that we could test and compare with? The gel apparently is not used much in mechanical testing. Thanks,
-Scott