An Innovative Measuring Method of Young's Modulus for Thin Flexible Multi-Layered Materials Using a Cantilever

In application of flexible multi-layered materials it is very important to evaluate mechanical properties of these materials in both analytical and technological interests. This paper deals with a new method (Cantilever Method) for measuring each Young's modulus in a flexible multi-layered material. The method is based on a nonlinear theory that takes into account large deformation behaviors of a multi-layered material. By means of measuring the horizontal displacement, the vertical displacement and the deflection angle at the free end of the cantilever, each Young's modulus can be easily obtained for thin and long multi-layered materials. Measurements were carried out to confirm the applicability of the new method on a two-layered material (PVC: a high-polymer material and SUS: a stainless steel material). The results confirm that the new method is suitable for thin flexible multi-layered materials. In the meantime, the new method proposed in this paper can be applied widely to the measurement of Young's modulus in a thin layer formed by PVD, CVD, Electrodeposition, Coating, Paint, and others.