The Use of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Strain Gauges to Validate Simulation 

As part of Cornell University's mechanical engineering curriculum and study of classical beam theory, an aluminium beam is deformed to a specific load. Theoretical strains are calculated at certain points along the beam using beam theory, and then verified by using strain gauges placed at these points on the beam. This experiment is then extended to simulation of the same test setup in simulation software, where strains are analyzed at the same points. Discrepancies between the simulation, theory, and strain gauge results have often plagued the test, especially when incorporating more complex beam design. Through use of digital image correlation (DIC) it is possible to pinpoint some of the problem areas in the beam analysis and provide a better understanding of the localized strains that occur at any point in the deformed beam. The use of DIC provides a full field validation of simulation data, rather than a single spot check that strain gauges can provide. This validation technique helps to eliminate error that is associated with strain gauge placement and the possibility of missing strain hot spots that can arise when analyzing complex deformations or geometries.