Dynamic-stress concentration using photoelasticity and a laser light source

Since experimental techniques using dynamic photoelasticity are, in general, limited by suitably intense monochromatic light sources, it was of primary importance to describe a ruby-laser system which would completely remove this particular aspect of the problem. Modulation of the system, in this case by a Kerr cell, provides the necessary control of the light output such that a complete series of results can be obtained by putting together the results of many individual tests recorded on a conventional still camera. In this case, the dynamic-stress-concentration factor in a strut with a symmetrically located circular discontinuity was determined to establish definitely the potential of the system.