Nondestructive photoelastic stress-analysis

This photoelastic stress analysis is a technique for the nondestructive determination of stress and strain components at any point in a stressed product by viewing a transparent plastic product. If not transparent, a plastic coating is used such as certain epoxy, polycarbonate, or acrylic plastics. This test method measures residual strains using an automated electro-optical system. 

The indirect analytical nondestructive evaluation methods of interest are thermal analysis, finite element stress analysis, strain gauging, photoelasticity and brittle coatings. 

Other methods available for nondestructive evaluations are indirect in nature, but may be useful in certain situations. These methods will only be discussed in a cursory fashion and more detailed aspects can be obtained from the literature. It is useful to note that stress in any structure plays a vital role, and that the methods involved in determining stress in an engineering component or structure in the process conditions is of vital importance. The methods used in determining stress are finite element stress analysis, strain gaging, the photoelastic method and brittle coatings. 

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