Plotting holographic interferograms for visualization of dynamic results from finite-element calculations

Procedures for plotting computer generated interferograms from the results of finite‐element analysis based on the principles of optical holography can provide a realistic view of dynamic processes taking place in the analysed structures. Such visualization is based on a solid physical background, does not require animation for representing dynamic processes, and is also important from the point of view of interpretation of experimental holograms. The numerical method for obtaining time‐averaged digital interferograms for structural dynamics applications is presented. Intensity mapping as well as the methods of digital stroboscopic analysis are used for plotting clearer images due to the fact that the intensity of higher interference bands decreases rapidly with the growth of vibration amplitudes. The digital time averaging of intermediate states of the moving surface together with varying direction of incident laser beam and estimation of diffuse and specular reflection phenomena enables the generation of realistic interferograms. Such a procedure is scalable in parallel computations and applicable to a wide variety of problems. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.