Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a non-contact optical method for analyzing the displacement and strain of an object's surface over time. It provides full-field data and identifies strain hot spots, allowing for accurate measurement without prior knowledge of gauge placement. DIC has applications across various materials, including composites and textiles, and integrates data collection for enhanced testing efficiency.

1. Ian McEnteggart,
Instron® Composites Marketing Manager
An Introduction to
Digital Image Correlation (DIC)

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What is Digital Image Correlation?
Images Displacement Strain
Analysis of image
surface over time
Use of cross correlation to
determine displacement
Strain calculated
from displacement
An optical method to measure deformation on an object’s surface

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• Non-contact strain measurement
• Full-field data (like thousands of tiny extensometers)
• Extract “conventional” 1D strain plots
• Identify strain hot spots over a large area
• Don’t need to know where to place the strain gauge/extensometer
before the test starts
• Validate correct specimen alignment
What are the Benefits of DIC?

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Sample Preparation
• Apply speckle pattern using:
• Airbrush
• Standard spray aerosol
• Brush—flicking
• Transferable stickers
• Rubber stamp
• Some materials can be left without speckling:
• Certain composites
• Concrete
• Textiles/fabric

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How Does It Work?

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Calculating Full-Field Displacement
• Repeated for each subset over the entire surface
• The result is a regular map of displacements over the
entire specimen surface
Specimen
surface image
Split into
small subsets
Pattern
recognized
for each
subset
As the specimen deforms, axial (x)
and transverse (y) displacements
for each subset are calculated

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Calculating Strain
• Strain at each location is
calculated using central
differencing
• Strain calculated in the x and y
directions separately
• For the x direction:
∆𝐿 = 𝐿 𝑡 − 𝐿0
𝜀 =
∆𝐿
𝐿0

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Analysis of Various Strain and Displacement Data
Axial
Strain
Transverse
Strain
Shear
Strain
Poisson’s
Ratio
Minimum
Normal Strain
Maximum
Normal Strain
Axial
Displacement Transverse
Displacement

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Extracting 1D Plots
• Use virtual extensometer for
calculating strain/displacement
between to points.
• Use virtual strain gauge for
calculating average strain over a
defined area.

10. Advanced Video Extensometer (AVE) 2
& DIC Replay

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AVE 2: Versatile and Capable
• Doesn’t require operator to attach extensometer, reducing
operator influence and increasing consistency
• 1 micron accuracy—measure modulus to ISO 527
• Patented LED lighting and fan system eliminates
environmental influences
• Measures both tensile and compressive strain
• Can be used on chambers for cold and hot tensile tests
• Can be used for full-field strain measurement using
Digital Image Correlation Software

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DIC Replay
• Streamlined full-field strain package tailored for the
materials testing market
• Allows users to analyze advanced strain characteristics
after the test
• No PhD degree required!
Simple integration & convenient mounting
•Consumes images saved by Instron® AVE camera
•No spaghetti cabling
•Synchronizes with data collected from the testing system

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Why Instron DIC?
Integrated and
synchronous
collection of all
data from
testing system,
e.g. force and
camera
Only 1 PCIntegrated camera and
lighting unit sits on the
frame out of the way of
testing area. Polarized
light is used so ambient
light doesn’t matter.
Easy to use,
where users
can focus on
analyzing and
understanding
their results
rather than
assembling test
rigs.

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DIC Application Examples
• Multiple extensometers for the same sample
• Can decide location post test

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DIC Application Examples
• Component—Identify strain “hot spots”

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DIC Application Examples
• Foam specimen—Traditional strain measurement was not possible
• Speckled with felt pen
• Split seen
in DIC
• Virtual extensometers at
25mm and 50mm GLs

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DIC Application Examples
• Composite Laminate—Open-Hole Tension
• Complex 2D strain distribution
• Measure all components of 2D strain tensor
(axial, transverse, shear), along with
maximum and minimum principle strains
Shear Strain
Axial Strain

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What Can We Do Next?
• If you’re interested in further discussions:
• Arrange a demonstration on site by our sales engineer
• Visit our applications laboratories and bring samples
• Send samples for us to test

19. Thanks for your time!