High-speed full-field deflection measurements on a hydrofoil using digital image correlation

The hydrodynamics, signature and fatigue associated with appendages of maritime platforms are influenced by fluid-structure interactions. This paper presents initial results from full-field, high-speed photogrammetry using commercial digital image correlation software to measure deflections of hydrofoils tested in a cavitation tunnel. Results from hydrofoils with identical geometry constructed from homogenous and non-homogenous materials are presented. Digital image correlation has proved successful for measuring steady and unsteady deflections and determining operational deflection shapes for metal and composite hydrofoils. Steady and unsteady hydrofoil deflections were achieved by static testing of the hydrofoil in unstalled and stalled conditions respectively.