Chirp Rheometry: Rapid Viscoelastic Characterisation with the Kinexus Rheometer

Oscillatory frequency sweeps are a cornerstone of rheological characterisation, providing valuable insight into the time-dependent behaviour and microstructure of complex materials. Conventional frequency sweeps, however, can be time-consuming, particularly when measurements are required over a broad frequency range or on materials whose properties evolve with time.

Chirp rheometry offers an alternative approach in which a continuously varying oscillatory frequency is applied within a single, carefully designed waveform. This allows the linear viscoelastic response of a material to be characterised over a broad frequency range in a fraction of the time required for a conventional frequency sweep.

This webinar will introduce the fundamental principles of chirp rheometry, including waveform design, signal analysis and the practical considerations required to obtain reliable measurements. The advantages and limitations of the technique will be discussed, together with examples illustrating how chirps can be used to probe materials that are evolving rapidly with time.

Finally, we will demonstrate the implementation of chirp measurements on the NETZSCH Kinexus rotational rheometer, providing practical guidance for setting up, running and interpreting chirp experiments.