1. A method for quantifying and characterizing the properties of a material from a sample of said material, comprising the steps of: (a) measuring responses of said sample to a range of applied influences; and (b) computing from said responses and said applied influences a concise set of parameters of a statistical mathematical model which most closely match mathematical responses of said model to said responses of said sample, whereby a dynamic simulation model of said material is derived whose characteristics are closely representative of said material, and whereby said dynamic simulation model may be used to characterize said material both within and beyond said range of applied influences.