In situ mechanical characterization of polymers with the association of three optical techniques

Abstract

A combination of three optical techniques is presented for in situ monitoring of macroscopic and microscopic variables characterizing the deformation of polymers. A video extensometer allows for the monitoring of true stress and strain. An infrared imager along with an appropriate mathematical algorithm allows for the determination of the energies that are converted into heat during the whole test. This makes possible a quantification of thermomechanical couplings revealing structural effects at microscopic scales. Finally, incoherent steady light transport is used to produce images of backscattered intensities. A physical model enables the authors to follow damaging processes occurring at microscopic scales.