A combined experimental and numerical method for the solution of generalized elasticity problems

This work presents the method for the investigation of three-dimensionally stressed bodies with arbitrary shape which are under the action of an outside system of arbitrary forces. The combined method is based on syntheses of photoelastic experimental methods (other experimental methods may also be used) and digital methods of discrete analysis. Experimental procedures are used for defining superfluous boundary conditions. The boundary-value problem with such boundary conditions is solved by numerical methods. This approach qualitatively changes the very essence of experimental methods and essentially widens their range. It reduces the amount of measurements required and, at the same time, allows one to obtain complete stress fields throughout a body in a short time. In comparison with numerical methods, the combined method increases the accuracy of problem solutions and, at the same time, reduces the time required for complete investigations.