Digital Image Correlation

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a non-contact optical technique that revolutionizes how we measure deformation and strain in materials. By capturing high-resolution images of a speckled pattern on a test specimen, DIC tracks pixel-level changes to produce detailed, full-field maps of displacement and strain. This tool is invaluable for applications like material testing, fatigue analysis, and structural studies, offering precise insights into how materials behave under stress without invasive sensors. Its versatility makes it a go-to method in fields ranging from aerospace to biomechanics, where understanding complex deformation is critical.

In my recent work, I used DIC alongside a micro tensile testing setup to study Selective Laser Melted Inconel 718, a high-strength superalloy. Paired with Vic2D software, DIC allowed me to map strain distributions during tensile and fatigue tests, revealing how the alloy’s unique microstructure influences its mechanical properties. This approach provided a deeper understanding of tensile strength, ductility, and fatigue behavior, offering data that traditional methods might miss.