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Visualise Your Design Problems
| Photoelastic stress analysis is a powerful full-field non-contact optical method for determining stresses and load paths in components or structures. It is also widely used for measuring residual stresses in transparent materials - particularly glass. The technique utilises an effect known as bi-refringence. This means that when a transparent material is stressed and observed under polarised light, interference fringes are formed which coincide with lines of shear stress. VisEng uses and sells the latest automatic measurement equipment which provides real-time results very rapidly. |
2-D Photoreflective Coating
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A quick and simple approach to photoelastic analysis. This method involves applying a thin epoxy coating to a metal, glass or plastic component or even a model of a component. When the component is loaded, stresses are transmitted into the coating and when viewed under polarised light, the photoelastic fringes can be observed and analysed to determine shear stresses. This method can be used to very quickly identify load paths within a structure as well as determining areas of stress concentration which could lead to a potential fatigue failure.
This video shows a rapid prototype model being dynamically loaded and analysed using the GFP 2000 real-time automated polariscope. |
3-D Photoelastic Analysis
| The 3-D technique is carried out by making a transparent model of a component or structure, and applying scaled-down loads to simulate real loading conditions. By interpreting the generated fringe patterns, the full-field, external and internal stress distribution in the part can be determined. With the use of rapid prototyping technology it is possible to construct photoelastic models direct from CAD data, hence allowing full stress analysis of parts to be performed at the concept stage of design, alongside or instead of finite element analysis producing fast and accurate product validation. |
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Glass Analysis
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Knowing the residual stress levels in glass products is vital to ensure their long-term durability. VisEng has the capability to measure residual stresses in glass and also, by applying a thin photoreflective coating, assembly or loading stresses. Using the GFP 2000 automated polariscope, glass problems can be quickly identified and eradicated (e.g. windscreen analysis). This video shows the edge stresses in architectural glass being monitored real-time using the GFP 2000 automated polariscope. |
Toughened Glass Residual Stresses
| Using the GFP 1000 or GFP 2000, safety glass may be rapidly checked for correct tempering. Problems at the glass manufacturing stage can be identified and resolved. The equipment will work on most transparent materials and can give quantitative as well as qualitative results. |
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Photoreflective Coating Applications on Glass
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The photoreflective coating technique allows any additional stresses experienced by the glass to be quickly found and analysed. The coating is easily applied by simply mixing a two part epoxy resin which is then spread onto the glass using a special spreader tool. The coating thickness is typically only 0.5mm and so cures very quickly. |
| To discuss how you can benefit from our expertise please Contact Us |
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