Photoelastic holography—A modern tool for stress analysis

The possibility of recording a photoelastic pattern with holography was first suggested in the literature in 1951. In the ensuing years, the capabilities and limitations of the method were examined, discussed and refined. However, the next logical step, the application of the method to the solution of engineering problems, has not followed any significant degree. One possible reason for this is a lack of appreciation of the positive benefits of the method. This paper is a survey of the role of holography in an operating photoelastic laboratory. Its intent is to emphasize the capabilities and advantages of the method, illustrate the variety of patterns that can be obtained and, finally, introduce a variation of real-time holography which offers considerable versatility.