Digital Image Correlation

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is an optical, non-contact measurement technique. It tracks surface deformation, displacement, and strain on materials by comparing digital images taken before, during, and after a load is applied.

How It Works

• Speckle Pattern: A random, high-contrast dot or speckle pattern is applied to the surface of the test object.
• Image Capture: One camera (for 2D) or two or more stereo cameras (for 3D) take sequential photographs of the object.
• Pixel Tracking: Specialised software breaks the image into smaller pixel groups (subsets).
• Data Generation: The system computes full-field visual maps and numerical data showing exact measurements.

Common Applications

• Material Testing: Measuring how metals, plastics, and composites stretch, bend, or break under stress.
• Automotive and Aerospace: Analysing structural responses, impact tests, and vibration under realistic operating conditions.
• Biomechanics: Evaluating the mechanical behaviour of tissues, bones, or medical devices.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Validating and refining computer simulation models with real-world physical data.