Investigation of deformation by digital image correlation

Conventional methods for investigation of metallic materials during elastic and plastic deformation cannot provide the full insight into materials behaviour during deformation. Lately new methods for investigation of deformation are being intensively used. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) has proven to be very suitable method for exploring of deformation zone. It is a non-contact method that allows detailed analysis of the deformation zone. Along the qualitative values, this method provides also the quantitative values of deformation that can be applied for construction and/or validation of various mathematical models. By analysis of the actual deformation, it is possible to obtain so-called deformation maps, which clearly illustrate the amounts of deformation in different parts of the deformation zone. In order to test the method of digital image correlation, static tensile testing was conducted on samples from low carbon steel. During static tensile testing surface of samples were continuously recorded with a digital camera. Subsequent analysis of acquired deformation images was done using digital image correlation, in order to determine deformation maps in deformation zone. Results of digital image correlation were compared with the results of the static tensile tests.