A new application of differential interferometry for stress analysis

In the past, differential interferometry has found interesting applications in gas dynamics. The gradients of density could be measured in gas flows. Now, a first trial is made to extend this method to the experimental treatment of stress problems. A Wollaston prism with polarizing elements is used in the optical arrangement. This prism combines two beams of light which have penetrated the model at locally separated points. A field of interference fringes can be produced behind the Wollaston prism. The deflections of the different conjugated light beams, which are caused by the deformed elements of the model, lead to a shifting of the interference fringes. A Stress Differential-interferometer Law is derived theoretically in order to interpret the optical data According to this theory, the optical effect caused by the deflection in this arrangement is proportional to the gradient of the sum of principal stresses. A calibration test is performed by using a circular disk, this method is applied to a circular ring for measuring the stress gradients. Under special conditions, interference fringes could be produced which represent the loci of equal stress gradient. Plexiglas plane models are loaded diametrically by single loads. The experimental results verify the statements of the developed theory.