Torsion pendula with electromagnetic drive and detection system for measuring the complex shear modulus of liquids in the frequency range 80–2500 Hz

An apparatus for the measurement of liquid complex shear viscosity in the frequency range 80–2500 Hz, with the use of a torsion pendulum operating in forced oscillation, is described. The drive and detection system consists of a magnet inside the pendulum, two excitation and two measuring coils. The determination of the complex shear viscosity is based on the measurement of the resonance frequency and the damping of the torsion pendulum.The feasibility of this method is demonstrated with a number of Newtonian liquids in the viscosity range 0.3 to 60 m Pa s. Results for a viscoelastic polymer solution are presented. A comparison is made with other apparatus working in the same frequency range.