Optical Strain Measurement Research Articles

Calibration of a Digital Image Correlation System

The use and results of the procedure published by Standardisation Project for Optical Techniques of Strain measurement (SPOTS) for a successful calibration of a digital image correlation (DIC) system are described. The details of the calibration specimen used are discussed together with procedure and criteria that must be met to achieve an acceptable calibration. The DIC system was evaluated over a strain range of 289 to 2110 μstrain, with a resulting calibration uncertainty ranging from 14 to 28.7 μstrain. The optical strain measurements were obtained from images taken directly from the bare metal surface, which had been prepared with grit paper, as opposed to generating a speckle pattern by painting the surface.

Optical strain measurement for fault detection in haul-truck tires

Tire condition is integral to the safe operation of heavy machinery, such as ultra-class haul trucks. A new approach to haul truck tire monitoring is being investigated based on optical strain measurement, which has the advantage of providing quantitative information from sensors that do not contact the tire. A laboratory-scale apparatus has been constructed to monitor a tire as it is subjected to various loads and pressures. Digital image correlation is used to calculate the deformation in the tire. Using this method, damage resulting from a horizontal and vertical cut created on the tire surface could be detected. A three-dimensional surface reconstruction of the tire was created to assist in the characterization of more complex damage types such as wear and fatigue. In addition to providing information for a possible industrial scale damage detection system, this apparatus will also further the understanding of damage mechanisms in tires.

Dependence of elastic properties of argillaceous rocks on moisture content investigated with optical full-field strain measurement techniques

The mechanical behaviour of the argillaceous rock considered in France as a potential host rock for nuclear waste repository strongly depends on water content. In order to quantify the dependence of the mechanical properties on humidity, an experimental setup that combines hydromechanical loadings with optical observations and digital image correlation (DIC) has been developed. It allows investigation of the hydromechanical behaviour of a material from the sample scale (cm) down to micrometric scale (100μm). Using this system, the shrinkage and swelling properties of the argillaceous rock at various constant uniaxial stresses, and the linear mechanical behaviour of the material at different moisture levels, were experimentally studied. A quasi-linear relation between the relative humidity, ranging from 39% to 85%, and the deformation during dehydration and rehydration is found at both the sample scale (cm), and a mesoscopic scale of a few hundred micrometres. This relation depends on the applied stress with much less swelling at higher axial compressive stress. In addition, a linear decrease of the axial Young's modulus (normal to bedding plane) with an increase of the relative humidity is observed.

Monitoring the Wall Mechanics During Stent Deployment in a Vessel

Clinical trials have reported different restenosis rates for various stent designs1. It is speculated that stent-induced strain concentrations on the arterial wall lead to tissue injury, which initiates restenosis2-7. This hypothesis needs further investigations including better quantifications of non-uniform strain distribution on the artery following stent implantation. A non-contact surface strain measurement method for the stented artery is presented in this work. ARAMIS stereo optical surface strain measurement system uses two optical high speed cameras to capture the motion of each reference point, and resolve three dimensional strains over the deforming surface8,9. As a mesh stent is deployed into a latex vessel with a random contrasting pattern sprayed or drawn on its outer surface, the surface strain is recorded at every instant of the deformation. The calculated strain distributions can then be used to understand the local lesion response, validate the computational models, and formulate hypotheses for further in vivo study.

Monitoring the Wall Mechanics During Stent Deployment in a Vessel

Clinical trials have reported different restenosis rates for various stent designs. It is speculated that stent-induced strain concentrations on the arterial wall lead to tissue injury, which initiates restenosis. This hypothesis needs further investigations including better quantifications of non-uniform strain distribution on the artery following stent implantation. A non-contact surface strain measurement method for the stented artery is presented in this work. ARAMIS stereo optical surface strain measurement system uses two optical high speed cameras to capture the motion of each reference point, and resolve three dimensional strains over the deforming surface. As a mesh stent is deployed into a latex vessel with a random contrasting pattern sprayed or drawn on its outer surface, the surface strain is recorded at every instant of the deformation. The calculated strain distributions can then be used to understand the local lesion response, validate the computational models, and formulate hypotheses for further in vivo study.

분산제 농도에 따른 MWCNT 전도성 유연필름의 전기-기계적 특성

탄소나노튜브는 유연 전도체로서 투명전극, 유연 히터, 투명 스피커 분야에 활발히 응용되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 PET 유연 모재의 전면적에 다중벽 탄소나노튜브(MWCNT)를 도포하는 스프레이법 이용하여, 투명하고 전도성 있는 MWCNT/PET 복합 박막을 제조하였다. 분산제로 사용된 SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate)의 농도를 조절함으로써 MWCNT의 분산도를 조절하였으며, 분산도가 조절된 시험편의 인장실험을 통해 기계적인 변형 하에서 MWCNT/PET 전도성 박막의 전기-기계적인 거동과 분산제의 효과를 평가하였다.

Dependence of deformation-induced magnetic field on plastic deformation for SUS304 stainless steel

In this paper, the correlation between plastic deformation and the deformation-induced magnetic field was exper- imentally investigated for the SUS304 austenitic stainless steel. Test-pieces with different shapes were fabricated to produce different strain distribution. Various plastic tensile loads were imposed into the specimens to introduce plastic deformations of different levels. The residual strain distributions at the surfaces of the specimens were measured by an optical 2D strain measurement system during loading process while the distributions of the deformation-induced magnetic fields above the specimens were measured by using a fluxgate magnetometer after each loading cycle. The experimental results show that the amplitudes of the magnetic field have a clear and repeatable relationship with the maximum residual strains for all the specimens, and the relationship is independent of the strain distribution. Based on the experimental results, the mechanism of the deformation-induced magnetic field was discussed, and a NonDestructive Evaluation (NDE) method was proposed for the quantitative evaluation of plastic deformation in the SUS304 stainless steel.

Experimental investigation of surface crack initiation, propagation and tension stiffening in self-compacting steel–fibre-reinforced concrete

To investigate crack initiation and propagation in reinforced, self-compacting, steel–fibre-reinforced concrete (SCSFRC) members, tie elements were tested in tension. Strain and surface crack formation were monitored with an optical strain measurement system based on digital image correlation. In addition, to capture the softening behaviour (σ–w) of the material, uni-axial tension testing was performed on SCSFRC cylinders. The results show that, with the optical strain measurement system, it was possible to detect different cracking modes and to follow the crack growth. It was especially of interest to recognize that high fibre amounts tend to change a sudden opening of a crack (as in non-fibrous concrete) into a more stable procedure. It was found that, for a given crack width, the SCSFRC specimens exhibited a noticeably higher tension stiffening than the specimens without fibres. Moreover, at a given load, the crack widths decreased by as much as 65% for the SCSFRC specimens with a nominal fibre content of 1%. For the uni-axial tension tests the results showed that with higher fibre content, for this type of fibre and concrete, both the peak stress and the residual tensile stress were increased. Additionally, it was noted for both specimen types that the scatter in fibre distribution decreased with increasing fibre content.

Localization of Plastic Deformation in Copper Canisters for Spent Nuclear Fuel

Localization of plastic deformation in different parts (extruded and forged base materials as well as EB and FSW welds) of the corrosion barrier copper canister for final disposal of spent nuclear fuel was studied using tensile testing, optical strain measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD). Results show that in the base materials plastic deformation occurs very uniformly. In FSW welds the deformation localizes in the weld either at the processing line or at a line of entrapped oxide particles. In EB welds the deformation localizes to the equally oriented large grains at the weld centreline or at the steep grain size gradient in the fusion line.

Active noise thin-plate spline smoothing method for full-f ield strain measurement by digital image correlation

Digital image correlation has become an important and effective non-contact optical full-field strain measurement technique. The strain field obtained directly by image correlation algorithm is full of noise. In this letter, we explore a novel way of actively adding small amount of Gaussian random noise to original displacement field, subsequently utilizing the well-known thin-plate spline smoothing (TPSS) technique to smooth the noised displacement field, and finally differentiating smoothed displacement field to get reliable strain field. The resultant method, named as active noise thin-plate spline smoothing (ANTPSS), outperforms the conventional TPSS and spline least-squares approximation. Moreover, ANTPSS successfully smooths the displacement filed obtained from three-point bending experiment of foam block and generates a reliable inhomogeneous strain field.

Monitoring Twin Tunnel Interaction Using Distributed Optical Fiber Strain Measurements

In this field trial, a new monitoring technique using distributed strain sensing known as Brillouin optical time-domain reflectometry (BOTDR) was introduced to monitor the behavior of bolted-concrete linings of a recently completed tunnel when a second bored tunnel was constructed side by side at a distance less than one tunnel diameter apart. This was done by measuring circumferential strains in 12 rings using optical fiber that was installed using the point-fixing method. The strain distributions around the circumference of the rings show a generally similar profile. Maximum compressive strains measured below the tunnel springline nearest to the excavated tunnel were larger than the maximum tensile strains measured at the tunnel crown, distorting the circular tunnel into an oval/ellipsoid that was about symmetrical to the horizontal axis. Several methods were introduced to compare strain measurements made by BOTDR and diameter changes recorded by tape extensometer. This involves the use of a symmetrical tunnel distortion model and the basic differential equation for a circular arch. The calculated results showed some degree of similarity between the two methods. The analysis highlighted the importance of measuring the axial strain in the tunnel ring and subtracting the axial strain component to calculate the actual deflection of the lining as a result of bending.

Optical Strain Measurement and Tear-Out Behavior of Sutured Porcine Small Intestine Tissue Using a Standarized Procedure

Some of the major complications leading to high morbidity and mortality rates in intestine surgery are caused by anastomotic insufficiencies. As the suture represents a crucial factor for the successful treatment of intestine anastomosis, it is of critical importance to investigate the tearing of sutured tissue. The goal of this study consists in examining the tear-out characteristics of stitched porcine small intestinal tissue as a function of the position of the stitch, using an optical strain measurement system. Furthermore, the hole formation of two different suture materials (monofilament and braided) with a single stitch is examined and compared. A clear trend for strain characteristic cannot be found for all number of stitches. In the case of four stitches however, it can be observed that for four out of six samples the outer stitches show a higher strain distribution than the inner ones. The comparison of the hole formation indicates that tissue stitched with monofilament PDS II tears by exhibiting a broader deformation pattern than tissue stitched with braided Vicryl.

Effect of cure regime on internal strain and stress development in a filled epoxy resin assessed by fiber Bragg-grating optical strain and normal force measurements

The influence of thermal treatment on the reaction-induced strain and stress states of an anhydride-hardened bisphenol A-based epoxy (EP) resin containing 50 wt.% inorganic filler particles was studied. Two different cure regimes were selected for the EP curing and their effect on the strain and force development were assessed by Bragg-grated fiber optical and normal force detection techniques. Surface cracking of the specimens was also visualized optically. During long isothermal treatment in the dwelling phase of the curing process, tensile forces evolved in the cross-linking EP. When vitrification occurred already at a low degree of conversion in a given cure regime, high internal forces were generated, causing early cracking of the EP. A cure regime (temperature profile) compensating the cure-induced volume shrinkage by additional thermal expansion was proposed as most beneficial to delay the vitrification and thus the build-up of damage-causing high internal stresses.

Comparison of Numerical and Experimental Strain Measurements of a Composite Panel Using Image Decomposition

Image decomposition is used to address the problem of accurately and concisely describing the strain in an inhomogeneous composite panel that is bolted to a vehicle structure. In-service, the composite panel is subject to structural loads from the vehicle which can cause unintended damage to the panel. Finite element simulations have been performed with the plan to establish their fidelity using full-field optical strain measurements obtained using digital image correlation. A methodology is presented based on using orthogonal shape descriptors to decompose the data-rich maps of strain into information-preserved data sets of reduced dimensionality that facilitate a quantitative comparison of the computational and experimental results. The decomposition is achieved employing the Fourier transform followed by fitting Tchebichef moments to the maps of the magnitude of the Fourier transform. The results show that this approach is fast and reliably describes the strain fields using less than fifty moments as compared to the thousands of data points in each strain map.

Low cost volcano deformation monitoring: optical strain measurement and application to Mount St. Helens data

SUMMARY This paper describes an innovative method of volcano deformation measurements, applied to camera images taken from the 2004–2008 eruption period at Mount St. Helens. Dome growth was thought to be characterized by sustained, near-linear rates of a solid dacite plug. Through spatial digital image correlation (DIC) analysis of the camera images, new evidences arise that the deformation and strain rate of the spine was more complex. DIC yielded cumulative and incremental displacements, strain and shear planes at decimetre resolution. It was found that dome extrusion rates are highly non-linear, decelerating prior to partial collapse, followed by a pronounced dome extrusion increase and direction change. Associated processes have been identified through DIC, such as shallow landslides and reworking of talus apron material. The work highlights the strengths of camera strain monitoring, and illustrates that dome growth and collapse is a very dynamic process complexly interplaying with the surrounding.

Time resolved synchrotron x-ray strain measurements of gold thin film on flexible substrate

Synchrotron x-ray radiation was used for in situ strain measurements in gold films on polyimide substrate during uniaxial deformation tests. We have used an area detector that allows inspecting multiple directions in the polycrystalline thin film without serial sectioning during straining. We show in this paper the configuration used and the attainable orientations on a pole figure for which the x-ray strains are measured. Moreover, we show the effect on the x-ray strains of the onset on plasticity, which was not detected by optical (macroscopic) strain measurement.

Elastic Modulus of a Silicon Thin Film Fabricated by Nanotransfer Printing

Transfer printing, a promising method for fabricating multi-scale structures on various substrates such as semiconductors and polymers, has been used to fabricate flexible devices with performance superior to that of conventional organic flexible devices. Although thin films might be expected to suffer damage during the transfer printing process, no reports of the degradation of mechanical properties during transfer printing have been published. The change in mechanical properties before and after transfer printing should be evaluated in terms of reliability and design for transfer printing to be successful. We propose a method of fabricating freestanding 200-nm-thick single-crystal silicon (SCS) thin-film specimens using transfer printing in order to investigate the mechanical properties of the transferred SCS thin-film specimens. The fabrication method combines several techniques such as semiconductor manufacturing, liftoff, and transfer printing processes. The core technology in this method is the fabrication of freestanding SCS thin-film structures suspended between two fixed ends. The mechanical properties of the freestanding SCS thin-film structures were measured using a microtensile machine capable of optical strain measurement. The test results provide insight into device design and reliability evaluation of flexible electronics fabricated by nanotransfer printing.

Investigations about the Single Point Incremental Forming of Anisotropic Titanium Alloy Sheets

The present work focuses the attention on the Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) of the Titanium (Ti) alloy Ti-6Al-4V. Tensile tests were carried out using the optical strain measurement system Aramis3D, in order to determine the mechanical behaviour of the alloy and to investigate the anisotropy of such alloy. Finite Element (FE) simulations of the SPIF process (using ABAQUS/explicit) were performed using a simple but non-axialsymmetric shape (truncated pyramid) with the aim of investigating the effect of both the tool/pitch ratio (D/p) and the draw angle (α), taking into account the anisotropic behaviour. The analysis of plastic strains and thinning maps, together with the evaluation of shape errors originated by the forming process, highlighted that the parameter D/p plays a key role in the SPIF. Results from the preliminary FE analysis were used for investigating the production by SPIF of an automotive component (car door shell). A specific subroutine was created by the authors for automatically generating the tool path to be used in both the FE simulations and the manufacturing of parts by SPIF on a CNC milling machine.

Optical strain measurements and its finite element analysis of cold workability limits of pure aluminium

In the present research work a new method of optical strain measurement (Machine vision system) was proposed for the analysis of flow behaviour of pure aluminium as a function of friction, aspect ratio and specimen geometry. Implementation of this new method reduced the extent of experimentation. Eight standard shapes of the axisymmetric specimens of cylindrical with aspect ratios 1.0 and 1.5, ring, flanged and tapered were selected for the present investigation. Specimens were deformed in compression between two flat platens to predict the metal flow at room temperature. A 4 X 4 mm square grid was marked at mid plane of the standard specimens. Online video images of square grid were recorded during the deformation process till the crack initiation. The distortions of grid from recorded images were analyzed offline. Finite element software ANSYS has been applied for the analysis of the upset forming process. The FEA results were compared with the analytical results of various stresses from the experimental measurements of axial, circumferential strains and found to be in good agreement. Ring compression tests with its finite element analysis were carried out to determine the friction factor (m) between the die and work piece and same found to be 0.3.

Investigations on different fatigue design concepts using the example of a welded crossbeam connection from the underframe of a steel railcar body

For thin-walled steel structures, welded joints often turn out to be the weak spots under cyclic loading. For the dimensioning of welded safety components in vehicle construction, strength concepts are necessary that are well-defined and well-reviewed, in terms of their predictive accuracy. Within the scope of the research results presented here, the applicabilities of the nominal, structural and notch stress approaches have been examined on the basis of different arc welded and cyclic loaded steel structures, taken from the railway sector. In detail, this is a crossbeam connection from the underframe of a railcar body. Different sheet thicknesses in the range 2.7 mm–4 mm in combination with a misalignment lead to an increase of load in the region of the weld seams. Several different components and specimens with critical regions of failure have been tested under cyclic loading with constant amplitude. With the help of strain gauges, the (technical) crack initiation has been determined. A short review of the possibility of obtaining information about the crack initiation by ultrasonic-burst-phase-thermography is also given. The specimens were the basis for the application and evaluation of the different concepts for the assessment of fatigue life. The numerical determination of the nominal, structural and notch stresses has been performed with finite-element models. For a local approach, according to the notch stress analysis, a submodelling technique has been used. The FE-models have been compared with the experimental data by means of optical 3D deformation analysis and strain measurements with strain gauges. Existing weld seam and specimen tolerances have been included through the use of parametric models. Finally the experimental and computational results have allowed the derivation of structural and notch S– N curves for the crack initiation and the rupture of the specimen.