Introduction to Photoelasticity

This tutorial is based on lab work within the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge. The tutorial provides an introduction to the topic of photoelasticity and preparation for lab work. Photographs illustrate many features of birefringence in polymers under polarised light.

Photograph of a protractor under polarised light

Aims Introduction History Optical anisotropy in polymers Light transmitted by an anisotropic material Experiment Stress patterns: 3-point bending Stress patterns: 4-point bending Activities Video clips Summary Questions Going further

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