This paper describes a series of experiments in which truncated cone geometries were formed using two multistage methods and compared to the same geometry formed using the traditional single stage method. The geometric accuracy and thickness distributions, including 3D thickness distribution plots, of each are examined using digital image correlation (DIC).

The VIC-3D Stereo Microscope System The VIC-3D stereomicroscope system enables local analysis within very small elements. One industry that benefits from this small field imaging is microelectronics.

A rubber puck is mounted between two grips, and a set of reference images are acquired from a CT scanner at know increments. Each ‘slice’ of data is then analyzed to compute a static volume measurement. After the puck undergoes a compression load, images are acquired again by the CT scanner at the same locations. Digital Image Correlation algorithms are used to calculate the volumetric change or deformation at each individual voxel, which make up the 3D volume.

Understanding thermo-mechanical behavior of material can be a vital component when designing vehicles and structures that may become exposed to high temperatures. Virginia Tech’s Extreme Environments, Robotics, and Materials (ExtReMe) Laboratory focuses on the impact of extreme environments on materials. This includes research that is focused on understanding the thermo-mechanical behavior of materials both during and following fires. Experimental investigations are performed to understand the evolution of the material due to elevated temperature.

Studying the behavior of metals during a high-speed dynamic compression event has always been challenging due to the complex test set up and fast data capture rates required. Currently, very little literature is available regarding deformation behavior at strain rates of 10 to 500s-1. Utilizing high-speed cameras, the VIC-3D HS system can be used to quantify the surface displacements and strains in three dimensions over the entire field with great precision. Digital image correlation (DIC) has gained widespread popularity over recent years in such high-speed applications due to its high accuracy, flexibility and ease of use.

Digital Image Correlation has played a key role in the successful NASA SBKF test program. As the video footage shows, the VIC-3D system provides information that would be unimaginable with any other technology. Used in conjunction with FEA modeling, it will allow NASA to decrease weight and increase the payload of future rockets.