Digital Image Correlation measurements as a tool of composites deformation description

The aim of presented investigations was to perform uniaxial tensile tests of flat specimens made of carbon fiber reinforced composites with strain measurements performed by means of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method. Samples with three reinforcement types were examined. DIC method was used in two point tracing mode (optical extensometer) for longitudinal and transversal strain measurements. The results of this measurement were used for Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio calculations necessary in the designing process of the mobile robot manipulator. Additionally strain fields maps were evaluated for the selected moments of tensile tests. Obtained strain maps showed inhomogeneity of strain distributions and its dependence on the reinforcement fibers types. Strain maps showed also the areas where delamination occurs. Presented methodology may be applied for validation of the results of composite materials deformation modeling.

► Uniaxial tensile tests with DIC measurements were performed on CFRP samples.
► Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio were calculated using “optical extensometer”.
► Strain maps showed delamination processes.
► Tests with DIC measurements gave much more information comparing to tests with electromechanical extensometer.