Computer Aided Evaluation of the Stress Tensor in the Two-Dimensional Photoelasticity

Abstract

Photoelasticity is a whole field experimental technique for the measurement and visualizing of the stress and strains in the loaded members. This work is intended to create a unique procedure that allows the use of a computer aided technique in the evaluation of the measurement results. The specimens of the thin annular disk, the thin disk and the shaped beam were tested. The PATRAN program is used for the finite element solution of stress analysis in the investigated specimens. The excellent agreement is established between the results of experimental technique based on the created computer procedure and the results of numerical computations.