Mechanical characterization of unplasticised polyvinylchloride thick pipes by optical methods

In this work a number of techniques (electronic speckle pattern interferometry, holographic interferometry, strain gauge and finite element method) are brought to bear in order to establish consistency in the results of strain measurement. This is necessary if optical non-destructive testing methods, such as those used here, are to gain acceptance for routine industrial use. The FE model provides a useful check. Furthermore, ESPI fringe data facilitates the extension of FE models, an approach that is of growing importance in component testing. The use of in-plane and out-of-plane sensitive electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) for non-destructive material characterization of thick unplasticised polyvinylchloride (uPVC) pipes is presented. A test rig has been designed for stressing pipes by internal pressure. ESPI gives a complete mapping of the displacement field over the area imaged by the video camera. The results for the strain of uPVC obtained from ESPI data and from strain gauges are in good agreement. The value of Young's modulus has been obtained from the fringe data and compared with results obtained using holographic interferometry and from strain gauge measurements. The FE model also produces fringe data that is consistent with the ESPI results.