Obtaining Fourier series graphically from large amplitude oscillatory shear loops

Large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) flow has been used to characterize the nonlinear viscoelasticity of polymer melts and solutions. Results are frequently reported with shear stress versus strain loops, or with shear stress versus shear rate loops. A Fourier analysis of the stress response to LAOS is often desired for comparison with theory, or for quantitative comparison between resins. A method is presented which employs the discrete Fourier transform to obtain the Fourier series coefficients from LAOS loops.