1.21 Experimental Mechanics of Composite Materials

Motivated by frequent inability of purely analytical or numerical tools to analyze complex problems in composites, this chapter discusses the applicability of experimental mechanic techniques to these materials. Thermoelastic, gray-field photoelastic, strain gage, moire, holographic, speckle, velocimetry, and high-speed photographic methods are emphasized. Most of these approaches enjoy the advantage of being full-field. Stress/strain/displacement analyses, vibrations, material characterization, fracture, fatigue, joints, and NDT are discussed, with applications to high-strength/-stiffness aerospace-type structural, cellulosic, carbon nano-tube, fiber-reinforced cement, asphalt and green (manure) composites.