An approach to quantifying the errors in digital image correlation (DIC) is presented using experimentally produced images. The challenge arises in creating exact subpixel shifted images in an experiment. This was accomplished via numerical binning of an ultra-high resolution image. The shifted images are then used for a preliminary analysis of 2D correlation software uncertainty and investigation of speckle pattern quality. Because it is often necessary to use numerically shifted images, for uncertainty quantification for instance, the optimum method of Fourier shifting is also presented.

Digital image correlation (DIC) is a method of using digital images to calculate two-dimensional displacement and deformation or for stereo systems three-dimensional shape, displacement, and deformation. While almost any imaging system can be used with DIC, there are some important challenges when working with the technique in high- and ultra-high-speed applications. This article discusses three of these challenges: camera sensor technology, camera frame rate, and camera motion mitigation. Potential solutions are treated via three demonstration experiments showing the successful application of high-speed DIC for dynamic events. The application and practice of DIC at high speeds, rather than the experimental results themselves, provide the main thrust of the discussion.

With the rapid spread in use of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) globally, it is important there be some standard methods of verifying and validating DIC codes. To this end, the DIC Challenge board was formed and is maintained under the auspices of the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) and the international DIC society (iDICs). The goal of the DIC Board and the 2D-DIC Challenge is to supply a set of well-vetted sample images and a set of analysis guidelines for standardized reporting of 2D-DIC results from these sample images, as well as for comparing the inherent accuracy of different approaches and for providing users with a means of assessing their proper implementation. This document will outline the goals of the challenge, describe the image

We compare laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) and digital image correlation (DIC) for use in full-field vibration and modal testing. This was done using a simultaneously measured 3D displacement field on a flat 7-inch corner-supported metal plate using pseudorandom excitation via a shaker. We complete a detailed comparison between the techniques and discuss the pros and cons of each. The results show that either technique can be used for quantifying the modal information with the LDV providing better out-of-plane displacement resolution and equivalent in-plane resolution. The strain calculation is considered better in the DIC approach due to the direct tie to the surface displacements. While the LDV does not lose its place as the gold standard for modal testing, DIC has introduced a new and competitive approach that will have significant advantages in certain testing regimes.

In the detection of particles using digital in-line holography, measurement accuracy is substantially influenced by the hologram processing method. In particular, a number of methods have been proposed to determine the out-of-plane particle depth (z location). However, due to the lack of consistent uncertainty characterization, it has been unclear which method is best suited to a given measurement problem. In this work, depth determination accuracies of seven particle detection methods, including a recently proposed hybrid method, are systematically investigated in terms of relative depth measurement errors and uncertainties. Both synthetic and experimental holograms of particle fields are considered at conditions relevant to particle sizing and tracking. While all methods display a range of particle conditions where they are most accurate, in general the hybrid method is shown to be the most robust with depth uncertainty less than twice the particle diameter over a wide range of particle field conditions.