Features:
- Instant Identification of Stress Concentrations and Zero-Stressed Areas
- Quantitative Measurement of Stress and Strain at Any Point on the Structure
- Validation of Any Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Weight Reduction Optimization
- Analysis of Stress Resulting From Fabrication Tolerances
The Vishay PhotoStress Plus Analysis System is a complete system for conducting photoelastic coating analysis. It incorporates the LF/Z-2 Reflection Polariscope, which is
simple to use and does not require any previous knowledge of photoelasticity. It also utilizes a digital video camera which is an integral part of the
polariscope, allowing the PhotoStress patterns to be
viewed on a computer or TV monitor, and recorded as still
or moving images. An electronic compensator is combined with special
software, which provides for quick measurement and
calculation of the principal strains and stresses. A laser light that is built into the polariscope and permits
viewing of the principal stress directions directly on the
coated part or structure. A complete coating application kit for preparing parts
and structures for PhotoStress testing has been manufactured.
PhotoStress is a popular and widely used
technique for measuring surface strains to
determine the stresses on a part or structure
during static or dynamic testing.
With the PhotoStress method, a special
strain-sensitive plastic coating is first bonded
to the test part. Then, as test loads are applied,
the coating is illuminated with polarized light
from a reflection polariscope. When viewed
through the polariscope, the coating displays
the surface strains on the part as a colorful
informative pattern which immediately reveals
the full-field strain (or stress) distribution over
the entire coated area.
Using an optical transducer (electronic
compensator) attached to the polariscope in
combination with computer software, quantitative stress analysis is quickly and easily performed at any point on the test part. Also, with
the use of digital video-imaging technology,
the PhotoStress patterns revealed during a
test, along with the calculated results
obtained, can be viewed simultaneously by
others by transmission over computer networks.
The PhotoStress Plus Vishay Analysis System may still be available for purchase and support from Artisan Technology Group beyond End-Of-Life (EOL) by the manufacturer (OEM).
Functions
Optically measures and analyzes surface strains in components subjected to mechanical loads utilizing photoelastic coatings. Integrates with digital imaging and light sources to visualize stress distribution in real-time. Interfaces with proprietary software for data acquisition, processing, and graphical representation of stress maps. Used in research, development, and validation environments to ensure structural integrity and performance under operational loads. Compatible with a range of coating materials for various substrate applications, facilitating quantitative stress analysis in complex geometries and dynamic load conditions.
Platforms
Optical strain measurement systems designed for integration with digital imaging hardware, equipped with photoelastic coatings and polarizing filters; interfaces with PC-based analysis software for real-time stress analysis in materials; compatible with laboratory and field test setups, connecting via USB or proprietary data acquisition modules; used in mechanical engineering, aerospace, and materials science for stress distribution visualization and quantification on transparent or coated specimens under mechanical loading.
Applications
Utilized for full-field, non-contact photoelastic stress and strain analysis, enabling precise identification of principal stress directions and differences. Applications include design validation, stress concentration detection, residual stress evaluation, and load path analysis in mechanical components, structures, and materials. Critical for fatigue life prediction, failure analysis, and optimization of part geometry in aerospace, automotive, civil, and industrial engineering R&D and quality control.
Accessories
LF/Z-2 Reflection Polariscope with built-in digital video camera, electronic compensator with integral data interface for computer connection, PSCalc software for measurement processing, laser light for principal stress direction indication on test part, complete PhotoStress coating application kit including photoelastic coating and special reflective adhesive. The polariscope interfaces include a connection for the digital video camera output and compensator signal output to computer (likely via standard data cable, specifics not documented). The system is standalone and does not require additional mainframe or backplane chassis.
Interfaces
Requires mainframe chassis for module installation; connectors include USB 2.0 Type-B for data transfer and power, RS-232 serial port 9-pin D-sub female for instrument communication; also features BNC connectors for analog signal input/output and a VGA output (15-pin HD D-sub female) for external display connection.
Specifications
Optical stress analysis system utilizing photoelastic coating technology to measure surface strain distributions through birefringent coating response under polarized light. Integrates high-resolution digital camera, circular polarizer, and white light source with computer-controlled image acquisition and processing software. Quantifies principal stress magnitudes and directions via fringe pattern analysis algorithms, supporting full-field strain mapping with 0.1 fringe order sensitivity. Interfaces via USB/Ethernet for real-time data capture and post-processing. Accommodates various coating thicknesses and calibration constants for different photoelastic materials. Applied in structural testing, fatigue analysis, stress concentration identification, and validation of finite element models in aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering applications.
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