Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is an analytical technique which measures the modulus (stiffness) and damping (energy dissipation) properties of materials as those materials are deformed under periodic (oscillatory) stress. Several components are are critical to the design and performance of calorimeters and thermal analyzers that use dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). These components are the drive motor, which supplies the sinusoidal deformation force to the sample material; the drive shaft support and guidance system, which transfer the force from the drive motor to clamps that hold the sample; the displacement sensor, which measures the sample deformation (oscillation amplitude) that occurs under the applied force; the temperature control system (furnace); and the sample clamps.