Application of Digital Image Correlation to Address Complex Motions in Thermoelastic Stress Analysis

A motion compensation method for thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) is described that uses digital image correlation (DIC) to capture the displacement field on the surface of the specimen. The displacement field is used to correct the infrared (IR) images to remove the effect of the motion of the specimen from the TSA. As the DIC displacements are obtained with a relatively high spatial resolution, sharp displacement gradients and discontinuities can be corrected. The feasibility of the motion compensation method for TSA is investigated firstly by validating the approach using data obtained from an aluminium alloy plate with a central circular hole loaded in tension and comparing the results with a finite element model. It is shown that the motion compensation approach significantly improves the accuracy of TSA, particularly when high magnification optics are used. Next, the feasibility of simultaneous capture of IR and white light images is investigated. It is shown that by using the correct combination of paints, a speckle pattern can be applied to the surface to provide contrast in the white light spectrum for the DIC but have a uniform emissivity in the IR spectrum so that there is no effect on the TSA. Thus, it is possible for the motion compensation to be conducted on data collected during fatigue tests. Finally, it is demonstrated that the motion compensation technique can be applied to discontinuous motion produced by face sheet debonding in a foam cored sandwich structure loaded in a double cantilever beam (DCB) configuration. It is shown that the motion compensation technique is capable of correcting the complex and non‐uniform motion for TSA in the DCB test, thereby enabling detailed thermoelastic data to be obtained from the vicinity of the crack tip.     

The Use of a Second Harmonic Correlation to Detect Damage in Composite Structures Using Thermoelastic Stress Measurements

Abstract: A novel development of the thermoelastic stress measurement technique using the second harmonic of the load test frequency is presented. Clear identification of significant sub-surface damage is demonstrated using the new technique, and test results are presented from a small scale wind turbine blade test which indicate that some quantitative assessment of damage criticality might be possible from a single full-field measurement. A hypothesis is presented as to why the new technique is successful, based on complex movements of the surface caused by local buckling (itself a consequence of the sub-surface damage). Strain gauge evidence is presented to support this hypothesis.     

Determination of Stress Intensity Factor for Cracks in Orthotropic Composite Materials using Digital Image Correlation

Abstract: This paper focuses on the application of the digital image correlation (DIC) technique to determine the stress intensity factor (SIF) for cracks in orthotropic composites. DIC is a full‐field technique for measuring the surface displacements of a deforming object and can be applied to any type of material. To determine the SIF from full‐field displacement data, the asymptotic expansion of the crack‐tip displacement field is required. In this paper the expansion of the crack tip displacement field is derived from an existing solution for strain fields. Unidirectional fibre composite panels with an edge crack aligned along the fibre were tested under remote tensile loading and the displacements were recorded using DIC. The SIF was calculated from the experimental data by fitting the theoretical displacement field using the least squares method. The SIF thus determined was in good agreement with theoretical results and therefore demonstrates the applicability of the derived displacement field and DIC technique for studying fracture in composites.     

Application of Digital Image Correlation Method to Study Dental Composite Shrinkage

Abstract:  Although resin-based composites are widely used in dental restoration, these materials shrink during polymerisation. Polymerisation shrinkage results in distortion of the restoration and bonded tooth and also generates internal stress at the resin–tooth interface. Digital image correlation (DIC) is used to determine the in-plane displacement field by matching different zones of two characterised pictures. The objective of this study was to examine the applicability of DIC in measuring the deformation of the composite restoration and the surrounding tooth. A preliminary experiment examined the shrinkage of composites in a simulated cavity using the DIC method. The measured shrinkage pattern was consistent with a corresponding finite element model. Subsequently the deformation of composite restorations on human molars was examined using this validated DIC method. The greatest deformation was found on the free occlusal surfaces, and the least on the gingival wall. The increased deformation on the post-cured images indicated that the shrinkage continued even after termination of light activation. DIC method facilitates a full-field measurement of shrinkage profile. These experimental results did not only demonstrate the spatial and temporal relationship of displacement in a dental restoration, but also provide validation of computational models to examine the polymerisation consequence.     

应用数字图像相关方法测试航空复合材料的弹性常数EI北大核心CSCD

通过数字图像相关方法对三种航空复合材料的弹性常数进行了测试。通过对DICM理论分析,依据ASTM标准提出合理的测试方案使得DICM的应变测试精度达到25με,满足航空复合材料测试要求。同时应用DICM和电测法对比测试了三种不同航空复合材料的弹性常数,实验结果表明这两种方法得到的实验结果相对误差较小,应力-应变曲线基本重合,DICM能够很好地反映航空复合材料的应变响应和精确测试其弹性常数。     

Digital Image Correlation and Noise‐filtering Approach for the Cracking Assessment of Massive Reinforced Concrete Structures

This paper describes the use of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) techniques for the cracking assessment of reinforced concrete (RC) massive beams and walls. DIC is known to provide accurate and detailed information on displacement and strain fields. Non‐contact measurements can be used to evaluate concrete cracking of destructive tests carried out on a wide range of specimen scales. When applied to large RC structures tested outdoors or in difficultly controllable conditions, DIC‐based methods may lead to erroneous results. In this study a post‐processing procedure is presented to cope with noisy full‐field measurements. The proposed cracking assessment approach is validated on a large experimental campaign. Four points bending tests are carried out on RC beams: firstly on full‐scale rectangular beams and then on mock‐ups scaled down by 1/3. In addition, fours RC walls are tested under in‐plane cyclic shear up to failure. Digital images taken throughout the tests are processed by DIC techniques to provide in‐plane displacement and strain fields. Full‐field measurements are post‐processed by the noise‐filtering technique and the cracks patterns are identified. Crack widths are measured and compared with measurements obtained from conventional point‐based sensors (linear variable differential transformer LVDT and fibre‐optic FO transducers). The proposed DIC‐based post‐processing provides accurate estimation of cracks width for most of the tests. The analyses carried out on the two groups of RC beams show a scale‐effect on the cracks width.     

Beginnings and Early Development of Thermoelastic Stress Analysis

Abstract:  Starting with Gough's first recorded observation of the thermoelastic effect in 1803, through to the 1990s, the principal steps in the evolution of the thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) technique are identified and reviewed. The coverage includes the contributions of Weber, who first described the effect in metals, Kelvin who provided the classical theoretical treatment, Turner and Coker who saw the potential of the effect as the basis of a stress analysis technique, Belgen who demonstrated the value of infrared technology in this context and Mountain and Weber whose foresight and skills resulted in the first commercially available equipment (SPATE) for TSA. Comments on the personal qualities and attributes of those involved are also included.     

Application of Stereo‐Digital Image Correlation to Full‐Field 3‐D Deformation Measurement of Intervertebral Disc

Abstract: This paper presents the application of a Stereo‐Digital Image Correlation (Stereo‐DIC) based approach for full‐field deformation measurements on a porcine intervertebral disc (IVD) under in‐vitro loading. Full‐field capabilities of Stereo‐DIC provide useful information on the IVD structure‐function relationship needed for designing novel disc replacement devices on the basis of biomimetic concepts. In this work, the use of a multi‐view Stereo‐DIC system allows full‐field measurement over more than 180° of the IVD surface. This is achieved by sequentially moving a single camera through seven fixed positions in order to cover the desired angle of vision. Ad hoc data processing and merging procedures are calibrated for a cylindrical sample. Strain maps are determined for a rubber cylinder subjected to rigid‐body motions and then to uniform compression. These preliminary procedures serve to evaluate strain‐mapping errors as well as to assess repeatability and accuracy of camera re‐positioning. Once the entire procedure is verified and calibrated, a fresh porcine functional spine unit is loaded under anterior, posterior and lateral compression. From displacement maps obtained with the multi‐view set‐up, it is possible to gather information on both IVD bulging and surface strains. Results are consistent with the IVD global behaviour under standard testing protocols reported in the recent literature. Furthermore, detailed information on local variations in structural response and stiffness properties occurring when load is applied in different regions of the IVD are obtained. The present approach allows to correlate structural response with the entire 3‐D deformation and strain field and not just with a single displacement/strain component and thus it could be effectively used for explaining in‐homogeneity observed in human discs degenerative patterns.     

Automatic Evaluation of Mixed-mode Stress Intensity Factors Utilizing Digital Image Correlation

Abstract:  A method for determining mixed-mode stress intensity factors from displacement fields obtained by digital image correlation is studied. To perform automatic evaluation, not only stress intensity factors but crack-tip location, higher-order terms in the series expansion of displacement fields and rigid-body displacement components are also determined simultaneously using nonlinear least squares based on the Newton–Raphson method. Experimental results show that the mixed-mode stress intensity factors are evaluated accurately from either radial or circumferential displacement components. As mixed-mode stress intensity factors can be evaluated easily, simply and automatically by the technique with digital image correlation and nonlinear least squares, it is expected that the proposed method can be applied to solve various fracture problems.     

Assessing the Feasibility of Monitoring Strain in Historical Tapestries Using Digital Image Correlation

Abstract:  Digital image correlation (DIC) is used to monitor strain in a representative textile material and an historic tapestry. The validity of a 'map function' that allows 3D DIC displacement measurements to be obtained when the reference data are collected with a camera set-up different from that of the deformed data is assessed. An experiment was devised to study the effects of DIC processing parameters (interrogation cell size and overlap) on strain measurements, and to investigate if the textile contains adequate contrast for DIC to operate. The study shows that the textile's weave pattern can be used as the device for correlation. Long-term tests for monitoring creep strain using DIC both in the laboratory and in situ are presented. The results show good correspondence between strain changes in the tapestry and relative humidity.     

Experimental Analysis of the Errors due to Polynomial Interpolation in Digital Image Correlation

Digital image correlation attempts to estimate displacement fields by digitally correlating two images acquired before and after motion. To do so, pixel intensity has to be interpolated at non‐integer locations. The ideal interpolator is the sinc, but as it requires infinite support, it is not normally used and is replaced by polynomials. Polynomial interpolation produces visually appealing results but introduces positional errors in the signal, thus causing the digital image correlation algorithms to converge to incorrect results. In this work, an experimental campaign is described, that aims to characterise the errors introduced by interpolation, focusing in particular on the systematic error and the standard deviation of displacements.     

Accurate Measurement of Satellite Antenna Surface Using 3D Digital Image Correlation Technique

Abstract:  Application of the three-dimensional digital image correlation technique (3D DIC) to the accurate measurement of full-field surface profile of a 730 mm-diameter carbon fibre composite satellite antenna is investigated in this article. The basic principles of the 3D DIC technique are described. The measured profile was compared with the one measured with a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine. The results clearly indicate that the 3D DIC technique is suitable for full-field surface profile measurement of small satellite antenna, and further application of the 3D DIC technique to the measurement of thermal deformation of the antenna is expected.     

Displacement Measurement Through Digital Image Correlation and Digital Speckle Pattern Interferometry Techniques in Cold‐Expanded Holes

Abstract: In this paper, the displacement field induced by the split‐sleeve cold expansion of holes was measured using both digital image correlation (DIC) and digital speckle pattern interferometry (DSPI) techniques. Thus, the experimental results, which were evaluated on the inlet surface of a 6082‐T6 aluminium plate, were compared with those from theoretical prediction. DIC provided accurate measurements up to the elastic–plastic boundary, whereas the DSPI technique highlighted the changes of displacement in the elastic domain. Prediction of the displacement based on the existing analytical model agreed with the experimental results achieved with both techniques. Possible explanations for the differences are discussed.     

Study on Fracture Behaviour of a Polymer‐Bonded Explosive Simulant Subjected to Uniaxial Compression Using Digital Image Correlation Method

Abstract: Quasi‐static uniaxial compression experiments were conducted on a polymer‐bonded explosive (PBX) simulant. At macro‐scale, the deformation and fracture process of samples were recorded using a charge‐coupled‐device camera. Microscopic examination was conducted to in situ observe the deformation and fracture processes of samples using SEM equipped with a loading stage. Microscopic damage modes, including interfacial debonding and particle fracture, were observed. The digital image correlation (DIC) technique was used to calculate the recorded images, and the macro‐ and micro‐scale displacement and strain fields were determined. Crack initiation, crack propagation, fracture behaviour and failure mechanism of samples were studied. The effects of aspect ratios on fracture behaviour and failure mechanism of PBX simulant were analysed.     

Determination of Stress Concentration Factors for Holes in Cylinders Using Thermoelastic Stress Analysis

Thermoelastic stress analysis is used to obtain the stress concentration factors (SCFs) from a variety of circular holes in cylinders. The cylinders are loaded in uniaxial tension, uniaxial compression and a combination of bending and compression. Firstly, radial holes are investigated and the results from the thermoelastic data obtained by the SPATE equipment are compared with previous experimental and numerical work. SCFs are then obtained from offset, oblique and offset–oblique holes using the Deltatherm system. The effect of hole obliquity and direction of applied load relative to the hole geometry are discussed in detail. Finally, the results from the cylinders are compared with predictions of the SCFs in cylinders from a previous study of oblique holes in flat plates.     

A Low‐Cost Digital Image Correlation Technique for Characterising the Shear Deformation of Fabrics for Draping Studies

A novel digital image correlation (DIC) technique has been developed to track changes in textile yarn orientations during shear characterisation experiments, requiring only low‐cost digital imaging equipment. Fabric shear angles and effective yarn strains are calculated and visualised using this new DIC technique for bias extension testing of an aerospace grade, carbon‐fibre reinforcement material with a plain weave architecture. The DIC results are validated by direct measurement, and the use of a wide bias extension sample is evaluated against a more commonly used narrow sample. Wide samples exhibit a shear angle range 25% greater than narrow samples and peak loads which are 10 times higher. This is primarily due to excessive yarn slippage in the narrow samples; hence, the wide sample configuration is recommended for characterisation of shear properties which are required for accurate modelling of textile draping.     

Formulation of Lucas–Kanade Digital Image Correlation Algorithms for Non‐contact Deformation Measurements: A Review

Digital image correlation (DIC) metrology has been increasingly used in a wide range of experimental mechanics research and applications. The DIC algorithm used so far is however limited mostly to the classic forward additive Lucas–Kanade type. In this paper, a survey is given about the formulation of other types of Lucas–Kanade DIC algorithms that have been appeared in computer vision, robotics, medical image analysis literature and so on. Concise notations consistent with the finite deformation kinematics analysis in continuum mechanics are used to describe all Lucas–Kanade DIC algorithms. An intermediate image is introduced as a frame of reference to clarify the so‐called compositional algorithms in a two‐frame DIC analysis. Explicit examples about the additive and compositional updating of deformation parameters are given for affine deformation mapping. Extensions of these algorithms to the so‐called consistent or symmetric types are also presented. The equivalency of final numerical solutions using additive, compositional and inverse compositional algorithms is shown analytically for the case of affine deformation mapping. In particular, the inverse compositional algorithm for affine image subset deformation is highlighted for its superior computational efficiency. While computationally less efficient, consistent and symmetric algorithms may be more robust and less biased and their potentials in experimental mechanics applications remain to be explored. The unified formulation of these Lucas–Kanade DIC algorithms collected all together in this paper can serve as a useful guide for researchers in experimental mechanics to further evaluate the merits as well as limitations of these non‐classic algorithms for image‐based precision displacement measurement applications.     

非接触数字图像相关应变测量的仿真与实验研究

数字图像相关法测量全场位移和应变是一种新的实验力学方法.该测量算法中相关函数和子区大小的选择是影响最终应变测量精度的重要因素.本文采用已知应变变形的仿真散斑图,研究了测量算法中主要相关函数和子区大小在正常光照与高斯不均匀光照条件下,对应变测量精度的影响.得出了不同测量要求下,可选择的相关函数和最佳计算窗口.通过实验验证与分析了此算法的测量精度.研究结果表明,数字图像处理技术测量应变的测试精度满足基本要求.     

Multiple‐view Shape and Deformation Measurement by Combining Fringe Projection and Digital Image Correlation

Abstract: We present a new method that combines the fringe projection and the digital image correlation (DIC) techniques on a single hardware platform to simultaneously measure both shape and deformation fields of three‐dimensional (3‐D) surfaces with complex geometries. The method in its basic form requires only a single camera and single projector, but this can be easily extended to a multi‐camera multi‐projector system to obtain complete 360° measurements. Multiple views of the surface profile and displacement field are automatically co‐registered in a unified global coordinate system, thereby avoiding the significant errors that can arise through the use of statistical point cloud stitching techniques. Experimental results from a two‐camera two‐projector sensor are presented and compared with results from both a standard stereo‐DIC approach and a finite element model.     

Application of High Magnification Digital Image Correlation Technique to Micromechanical Strain Analysis

Abstract: This paper describes an experimental apparatus and its application for the full‐field measurement of heterogeneous strains at high magnifications. The apparatus consists of an image acquisition and analysis system, an optical microscope and a stable tensile stage. Magnified images of the specimen surface are acquired and analysed using the digital image correlation (DIC) method. The response of the heterogeneous microstructure of a nodular cast iron is investigated during a tensile test. Strains obtained by using the DIC method and averaged over the observation window correlate with strain measurements simultaneously obtained by using an extensometer. The strain maps of DIC reveal the heterogeneous development of plasticity in the nodular cast iron microstructure. The apparatus has the potential to investigate material behaviour at the microscopic scale.