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 mechanical properties of both hybrid neoprene and hydrogel samples by DIC. Throughout this laboratory, each team will: prepare the hybrid neoprene and hydrogel samples; test each hybrid sample under shear; record the deformation with a camera, determine the full field of shear strain by DIC; generate and analyze the shear stress strain curve to extract the shear modulus; discuss the deformation behavior of both samples. Includes syllabus (instructor’s editable version) and turn-key sample preparation kit (e.g. neoprene strips, agar powder, adhesive sandpaper) allowing about 10 repetitions (team of 2-5 students). Requires Mach-1 tester (MA003 or higher), a multiaxial load cell (MA296 or MA297), a camera (MA732), a flat indenter (MA263) and testing chamber (small MA740 and large MA626).
- Deemed an excellent educational tool for students
- Learning Goal – Become familiar with the safe operation of a mechanical tester
- Learning Goal – Extract mechanical parameters from stress-strain curves
- 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
- Learning Goal – Understand how the structure and composition of materials determine their behavior during shear testing
