Experimental Stress Analysis

Vol. 1, no. 1 contains Proceedings of the 17th (or the last) Eastern Photoelasticity Conference.

This book summarizes the main methods of experimental stress analysis and examines their application to various states of stress of major technical interest, highlighting aspects not always covered in the classic literature. It is explained how experimental stress analysis assists in the verification and completion of analytical and numerical models, the development of phenomenological theories, the measurement and control of system parameters under operating conditions, and identification of causes of failure or malfunction. Cases addressed include measurement of the state of stress in models, measurement of actual loads on structures, verification of stress states in circumstances of complex numerical modeling, assessment of stress-related material damage, and reliability analysis of artifacts (e.g. prostheses) that interact with biological systems. The book will serve graduate students and professionals as a valuable tool for finding solutions when analytical solutions do not exist.

All structures suffer from stresses and strains caused by factors such as wind loading and vibrations. Stress analysis and measurement is an integral part of the design and management of structures, and is used in a wide range of engineering areas. There are two main types of stress analyses – the first is conceptual where the structure does not yet exist and the analyst has more freedom to define geometry, materials, loads etc – generally such analysis is undertaken using numerical methods such as the finite element method. The second is where the structure (or a prototype) exists, and so some parameters are known. Others though, such as wind loading or environmental conditions will not be completely known and yet may profoundly affect the structure. These problems are generally handled by an ad hoc combination of experimental and analytical methods. This book therefore tackles one of the most common challenges facing engineers – how to solve a stress analysis problem when all of the required information is not available. Its central concern is to establish formal methods for including measurements as part of the complete analysis of such problems by presenting a new approach to the processing of experimental data and thus to experimentation itself. In addition, engineers using finite element methods will be able to extend the range of problems they can solve (and thereby the range of applications they can address) using the methods developed here. Modern Experimental Stress Analysis: Presents a comprehensive and modern reformulation of the approach to processing experimental data Offers a large collection of problems ranging from static to dynamic, linear to non-linear Covers stress analysis with the finite element method Includes a wealth of documented experimental examples Provides new ideas for researchers in computational mechanics

The design of mechanical components for various engineering applications requires the understanding of stress distribution in the materials. The need of determining the nature of stress distribution on the components can be achieved with experimental techniques. Applications and Techniques for Experimental Stress Analysis is a timely research publication that examines how experimental stress analysis supports the development and validation of analytical and numerical models, the progress of phenomenological concepts, the measurement and control of system parameters under working conditions, and identification of sources of failure or malfunction. Highlighting a range of topics such as deformation, strain measurement, and element analysis, this book is essential for mechanical engineers, civil engineers, designers, aerospace engineers, researchers, industry professionals, academicians, and students.

Elements of Experimental Stress Analysis describes the principles of the techniques and equipment used in stress analysis and suggests appropriate applications of these in laboratory and field investigations. Examples from the field of civil engineering are used to illustrate the various methods of analysis. This book is comprised of 12 chapters and begins with a discussion on the use of models, scale factors, and materials in experimental stress analysis. The next chapter focuses on the application of load to the element under test, with emphasis on the means of creating the required forces; the means of applying these forces to the test piece; and the means of measuring the forces. The reader is then introduced to the principles of various types of strain gauges, as well as the methods of calculating stresses from strains in the case of elastic materials. Subsequent chapters explore two-dimensional photoelasticity; the frozen stress method and surface coating techniques; structural model analysis; special instruments for dynamic stress analysis; analogue methods for dealing with stress problems; and how to select a method of stress analysis. This monograph will be of use to all undergraduate and postgraduate students who require a basic knowledge of experimental stress analysis, and also to practicing engineers who may be concerned with experimental investigations in one way or another.