LOW-COST DIGITAL POLARISCOPE FOR DYNAMIC PHOTOELASTICITY

A low-cost dynamic polariscope is presented. The experimental arrangement is based on the delayed-microflash technique. A LED is used as the flash source. Dynamic photoelastic patterns are recorded after different time delays from the loading point using a CCD camera operating in the time-delay and integration mode. Unlike the conventional photographic techniques, the experiments need not be performed in total darkness. Digital recording provides instantaneous visualization of the patterns and rapid repeatability.