Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is an effective method of quantitatively assessing the full field of strain of a sample by comparing images before and after an applied load or deformation. This undergraduate biomechanics class laboratory module consists of assessing local mechanical properties of both low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and rat skin under uniaxial mode I edge crack testing. DIC analyses will enable visualization of strain concentration at the edge crack. Throughout this laboratory, each team will prepare the polyethylene and rat skin samples, test samples using the uniaxial mode I edge crack method, perform DIC analyses and discuss the results. Includes syllabus (instructor’s editable version) and turn-key sample preparation kit (e.g. polyethylene sheet, needles) allowing about 10 repetitions (team of 2-5 students). Requires Mach-1 tester (MA001 or higher), a multiaxial load cell (MA296 or MA297), a camera (MA732), a tensile grips (MA090) and testing chamber (MA626).
- Deemed an excellent educational tool for students
- Learning Goal – Become familiar with the safe operation of a mechanical tester
- Learning Goal – Become familiar with the preparation of samples for DIC
- Learning Goal – Become familiar with the extraction of the full field of strain by DIC
