Instron, Norwood, Mass., announces digital image correlation (DIC) hardware and software designed to optically detect strain and displacement. The DIC system enables users to visualize these changes in real-time on a computer screen, so that they can be traced over the entire duration of the test.
Image and calibration data are supplied by an Instron Advanced Video Extensometer (AVE). The associated DIC-software provides visualization and also saves the data at an adjustable rate of up to 50 Hz in the form of individual images for subsequent analysis in post-processing mode. The software runs independently of other programs, and leverages the graphical layout and tabbed style of Instrons Bluehill materials testing software – making the user interface familiar and easy to use.
The DIC technology provides numerous benefits compared to traditional strain measurement, including, for example, the documentation of phenomena such as discontinuous strain, localized necking, and more. DIC enables the detection of strains and displacements in cases where conventional extensometers are impractical, and enables the visualization of the side profile of flat bending or compression specimens.
The system also reveals cracks that are not visible to the naked eye. Finally, the DIC technology helps with standard compliance, as it identifies local strain that falls outside the standard gauge length of conventional extensometers.
The DIC software comes with a large number of standard functions. These include the generation of surface maps containing information on local axial and transverse strains and displacements, shear strain, and maximum and minimum normal strain. Further standard features include saving of processing parameters, graphical processing and the capability of synchronization with Bluehill® test data such as load, crosshead position etc.
