Application of the correlation method to analyze deformations in transparent materials

The scheme of elastic stress visualization in transparent materials (Plexiglas) by a change in optical path is proposed. The optical path gradient was measured using the correlation method. A model experiment was performed at various configurations of transverse static loads on a Plexiglas beam. It was shown that the displacement field of the background structure corresponds to stress diagram at a given beam load scheme. For the process of point heating of quartz glass, the correlation method is compared to the method based on the photoelasticity effect.