Fundamental measurement problems in engineering, mechanics, manufacturing, and physics are now being solved by powerful optical methods. This book presents a lucid, up-to-date discussion of these optical methods. Beginning from a firm base in modern optics, the book proceeds through relevant theory of interference and diffraction and integrates this theory with descriptions of laboratory techniques and apparatus. Among the techniques discussed are classical interferometry, photoelasticity, geometric moire, spatial filtering, moire interferometry, holography, holographic interferometry, laser speckle interferometry, and video-based speckle methods. By providing a firm base in the physical principles and at the same time allowing the reader to perform meaningful experiments related to the topic being studied, the book offers a unique user-oriented approach that will appeal to students, researchers and practising engineers.

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The elastic behavior of a cross-ply fiber glass-reinforced epoxy laminate loaded in tension through a pin fitted with clearance and interference is examined. A nonlinear contact analysis using the Finite Element Method and an experimental study by Speckle Interferometry are performed, showing fairly good correlation. An interesting comparison is performed between FEM results and Hertzian contact theory. Major conclusions are: (I) clearance causes high compressive stress in the bearing area, and does not influence the peak tensile stress; (2) interference has beneficial effects on the joint, as (a) it lowers the peak circumferential stress, and (b) it decreases the change of stress due to the application of the load. This last conclusion suggests that interference can improve the fatigue life of the joint.

Damage induced in polymer composites by various impacts must be evaluated to predict a component’s post-impact strength and residual lifetime, especially when impacts occur in structures related to human safety (in aircraft, for example). X-ray tomography is the conventional standard to study an internal structure with high resolution. However, it is of little use when the impacted area cannot be extracted from a structure. In addition, X-ray tomography is expensive and time-consuming. Recently, we have demonstrated that a kHz-rate laser-ultrasound (LU) scanner is very efficient both for locating large defects and evaluating the material structure. Here, we show that high-quality images of damage produced by the LU scanner in impacted carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are similar to those produced by X-ray tomograms; but they can be obtained with only single-sided access to the object under study. Potentially, the LU method can be applied to large components in-situ.

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