A Real-Time Vision System to Monitor/Analyze the Changes in Composite Specimens During Mechanical Testing

Research has demonstrated the feasibility of using digital image processing techniques to determine dimensional changes and analyze qualitative and quantitative fracture processes in fiber-reinforced composite material test specimens that have experienced environmentally and mechanically induced stresses. The application of image analysis techniques during mechanical testing has been shown to facilitate test automation and to provide information essential to interpretation and quantification of mechanical test data. Since fracture is a dynamic process, real-time image acquisition and special image processing techniques are needed to determine specimen size and shape changes, identify where fracture is initiated, and describe how fracture develops in specimens during mechanical testing. Images must be classified and interpreted in terms of appropriate fracture models to facilitate the analysis of mechanical test data and provide a quantitative assessment of damage. Presented at the Meeting of the Mechanical Failure Prevention Group (48th), 19-21 Apr 1994.