Experimental Stress Analysis

Unit 3: PHOTO-ELASTICITY
Nature of Light, Wave Theory of Light:
Consider a disturbance that is propagated through the space in a periodic manner. Such a
disturbance can be represented graphically as shown in fig. let y denote the magnitude of
disturbance.

Then = ( ) is periodic in z,

i.e. its value is repeated after regular interval of z. the lowest values of this intervals is called the
wavelength and is generally denoted by the letter λ. the time taken for one wavelength to pass
through a point in space is called the period and is denoted by τ. If c is the velocity of
propagation of the disturbance, then

The reciprocal of the period is called the frequency. It is the number of oscillation at a given
point per second.

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Let disturbance originate from the point source. The disturbance travel outwards in all directions
and if the medium is isotropic, the speed of propagation of these disturbances will be the same in
all directions. Consequently, the disturbance travels in the form of diverging spherical waves.

The locus of points having the same magnitude of disturbance is known as a wave-front, and in
this particular case, the wave fronts are surface of concentric spheres with the source as centre.
As this spherical wave s expands outwards, the radius becomes larger and any finite portion of
the wave-front tends to become a plane. The direction of propagation of the disturbance would
be perpendicular to the plane and is called the wave normal (transverse disturbance). The
disturbance itself could be either perpendicular to the wave normal or in the direction of the
wave normal (longitudinal disturbance).

Consider a plane wave propagating in the z direction with velocity c. the wave front is parallel to
the xy-plane. At time t=0, let the disturbance y be given by the equation

= ( )……………….(2)

After a time t, the disturbance will have travelled a distance ct and the graph shown in fig 1 will
have shifted parallel to itself by a distance ct. Hence, the disturbance at a point z=z’+ct at time t
is the same as the disturbance at z=z’ at time t=0. In other words, from eq 2, the disturbance at
point z at time t is the same as the disturbance that existed at z-ct at time t=0, i.e. ( − ).
Hence, the disturbance at z at time t can be written as

= ( − ) … … … … … … … … . . (3)

This is the fundamental equation of a plane wave travelling forward in the z-direction. Similarly,
for a plane wave travelling backward, the fundamental equation is

= ( + ) … … … … … … … … . . (4)

If the disturbance is periodic, then the function ( ) is periodic in z.

Eq 3 and 4 represents the plane waves can easily be seen since z= constant represents a plane
parallel to the xy-plane and on this plane the disturbance y has a uniform magnitude. Similarly,
the fundamental equation of a plane wave propagating in a direction with direction cosines
(l,m,n) is

= ( + + − ) … … … … … … … … . . (5)

Because, the equation + + = represents a plane whose normal has direction cosines
(l,m,n) and on this plane the disturbance g has a uniform magnitude at a given time.

A function ( ) which is periodic in z, the period being , can be expanded in a Fourier series as

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2
( )= + cos ( +∈ ) … … … … … … … … . . (6)

For a periodic wave travelling forward with a velocity c, the Fourier expansion will be

2
( − )= + cos ( − +∈ ) … … … … … … … … . . (7)

The first vibratory component of the series, i.e. cos ( − +∈ ) is termed the fundamental
simple form of a plane harmonic wave. In subsequent discussions, the typical fundamental light-
wave propagating in the z-direction will be taken in the form

2
= cos ( − +∈) … … … … … … … … . . (8)

The constant A is called the amplitude and the quantity ( − +∈) is called the phase.

Light-waves belong to the class of transverse wave and the disturbance can be represented by
means of a vector called the light vector. This light vector is perpendicular to the direction of
propagation. Light is known to be an electromagnetic disturbance propagated through space and
two vectors, namely the electric force vector H are associated with it. These two vectors are
mutually perpendicular and either of these can be taken as the fundamental light vector.

According to eq 8, the fundamental eq for light-wave (plane wave) travelling in the z-direction is

2
= cos ( − +∈)

For a given value of z, the above eq can be written as

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= cos +∈ ……………………… (a)

Where ∈ is some constant. From eq 1

1
= =

Where is the frequency. This can be stated as the number of wavelengths travelled per
second. 2 expresses the quantity in radians per second and is called the circular frequency.
Denoting the circular frequency by , eq A becomes

= cos( +∈ )…………….(b)

Instead of cosine function sin function can also be used to represent a plane harmonic wave, i.e

= sin( +∈ )………………(c)

The frequency of a light wave determines that quality which the eye recognizes as color. The
lowest frequency which the human eye can recognize as light is about 390*1012 and this
corresponds to deep red color. The highest frequency is about 770*1012 corresponding to deep
violet. Between these two frequencies, one finds the colors arranged as violet, indigo, blue,
green, yellow, orange, and red. The gradation from one color to next is smooth and not abrupt.
When these colors are spread out to form a continues band, it is called a spectrum. Light
corresponding to one particular frequency and one color is said to be homogeneous or
monochromatic.

It was stated that light-wave belongs to the class of transverse waves and the disturbance can be
represented by means of a vector called the light vector. In ordinary light, the tip of the light-
vector describes a random vibratory motion in a plane transverse to the direction of propagation.
If the tip of the light-vector is forced to follow a definite law, the light is said to be polarized.

For example, if the tip is constrained to lie on the circumference of a circle, it is said to be
circularly polarized. If the tip describes an ellipse, it is elliptically polarized. If the light vector is
parallel to a given direction in the wave-front, it is said to be linearly or plane polarized. These
are shown in fig. if the tip of the light-vector in fig (a) describes the circle in a counter-clockwise
direction as shown, then it is said to be right handedly circularly polarized.

On the other hand, if the path is transverse in a clockwise direction, then it is left-handedly
circularly polarized. This notation is adopted so as to be consistent with the right-handed
coordinate system. The positive z-axis is away from the source and the vibrations are in planes
parallel to the xy-plane.

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Similarly, one can speak of right-handedly or left-handedly elliptically polarized light. It is easily
observed that an elliptically polarized light is the most general form of polarized light since a
circle can be considered as an ellipse with the major and minor axes being equal. Similarly, a
straight line is a degenerated form of an ellipse with the minor axis being equal to zero.

Optically isotropic: Refractive index is same for all direction in the material. Therefore light
propagate with the same velocity in all direction.

Optically Anisotropic: the ability to resolve the light vector into two orthogonal components
and transmit the components with different velocity in different direction. Such material is
known as double refracting or bifringement material. This type of properties is known as
optically anisotropic property.

Double Refraction: when a beam of un-polarized light is incident on the crystalline material ,
the beam upon entering the material get split into two component of plane polarized light. This

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phenomenon is known as double refraction and the material exhibiting this behavior is known as
double refractive material.

Wave plate: certain crystalline materials have the ability to resolve the light vectors into two
orthogonal components and transmit each one of them in different speed and phase. This phase
difference is proportional to the thickness of the plate. A typical wave plate is as shown in fig.

The wave plates are of two types quarter wave plate(Q.W.P) and half wave plate(H.W.P),
depending on the path difference(andrespectively produce between the two orthogonal
components.

Photo-elasticity: photo-elasticity is a stress analysis technique using the relative retardation b/w
two components of light vector along the directions of two principle stresses at a point on a
photo-elastic model.

Photo-elastic model: A photo-elastic model is a transparent material possessing the property of

temporary double refraction. Without external load, the model is isotropic and when it is loaded,
refractive index changes along the directions of principle stresses in the model.

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There are many transparent, non-crystalline materials which are optically isotropic when free of
stress but become optically anisotropic after the application of stress. This behavior is known as
double refraction and the materials exhibits this behavior are known as photo-elastic materials.
As long as the loads are maintained on the photo-elastic materials, it exhibits the behavior of
temporary double refraction and the material becomes again isotropic after the removal of loads.

Stress optic law:

fig 1 shows a unstressed thin disc of a photo-elastic model. The refractive index of this material
in any direction is n0. This thin disc is subjected to loads such that the principal stresses
developed at a point o are and as shown in fig 2. The refractive index of material changes
in the direction of to the value n1 and n2 in the direction . These changes in refractive
idiocies are linearly proportional to the stresses.

− = + …….(1)

− = + …….(2)

Where and are the principal stresses at a point in a material under plane stress condition.
is refractive index of unstressed model. are the refractive index of stressed model
associated with the directions of principal stress and . , are stress optic co-efficient.
These changes is refractive index can be used as the basis for a stress measurement technique I,e
photo-elasticity.

eq(2)-eq(1)

− =( − )( − )

− = ( − )…….(3)

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Where, − =c

If > and velocity of propagation of light wave associated with principle stress is greater
than the velocity of propagation of light wave associated with principal stress is known as
positive bifringence.

A photo-elastic model behaves like a wave plate and it can be used to relate the relative
retardation Δ to changes in the refractive index in the material due to stress. If a beam of plane
polarized light is passed through the thin sheet of photo-elastic material at normal incidence as
shown, then relative retardation Δ between the two components of light vector along each of
principal stress directions can be obtained by

∆= ( − )…………..(4)

h= thickness of model

=magnitude of relative retardation b/w two

components of light beam propagating in
directions perpendicular to and .

Eq 4 shows that relative retardation is linearly proportional to ( − ), h and inversely

proportional to wavelength of light being used.

The relative stress optic co-efficient c is assumed as a material constant

∆
( − )= ∗ ∗ …………(5)

∆
= ,,

= =

( − )=
ℎ

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stress fringe value is a property of the model material and it is determined by calibration.

If photo-elastic model material exhibits a perfectly linear elastic behavior, the difference in
principal strain ∈ −∈ can also be measured by establishing the value N, relative retardation

1
∈ = ( − )

1
∈ = ( − )

1
∈ −∈ = (1 + )( − )

1
∈ −∈ = (1 + )
ℎ
∈
∈ −∈ =
ℎ
(1 + )
∈ =

∈ =

Types of polariscopes:
We have two types of polariscopes
1) Plane polariscopes,
2) Circular polariscopes
1) Plane polariscope:
It is the simplest model or optical system used in photo-elasticity. It consists of two linear
polarizer’s and a light source as shown in the figure. The linear polarizer nearest to the light
source is called polarizer. While the second linear polarizer is away from the light source
called analyzer. Here the two axes of the polarizer’s always cross. Hence no light is
transmitted through the analyzer and produce dark field. The model is inserted and viewed
through analyzer. The polarizer is kept perpendicular to the axes of light propagation it
transmits the light wave comes only in there axes. The analyzer is kept 90 deg to the
polarizer and it transmit the light waves in there axes.

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2) Circular polariscopes
It employs circularly polarized light. The first element following light source is called
polarizer. It converts ordinary light into plane polarized light. The second wave plate is
quarter wave plate with an angle π/4 to the plane of polarization. This quarter wave
plate’s convert’s plane polarized light into circularly polarized light. The second quarter
wave plate is kept between the analyzer and model. The second quarter wave plate
converts circularly polarized light into plane polarized light. The last element is analyzer
which extinguishes the light.

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Isoclinic and Isochromatics:

Consider the arrangement shown in fig. i.e., monochromatic light source, polarizer, model is
in plane state of stress, and analyzer, is a second polarizing element kept 90 deg to polarizer
axes. We should assume that through a suitable optical arrangement, the image of the model
is projected on the screen. The polarizer and analyzer are always kept crossed, but their
combined orientation can be arbitrary.

When a model is stressed, it behaves as a crystal and at the point where the ray passes, the
polarizing axis coincide with the principal stress axes , at that point. In general, the
polarizer makes an angle with axes. If the polarizer coincides with either then
the plane polarized light incident on the model at that point will emerge as a plane polarized
light. Since the analyzer is kept crossed with respect to polarizer, the light coming out of the
analyzer is zero. Consequently, at all those point of model, where the directions of the
principal stress happen to coincide with the particular orientation of the polarizer analyzer
combination , the light coming out of the analyzer will be zero. If the polarizer analyzer
combination happens to coincide with the directions of , stresses at one point of the
model, then in general, there will be a locus of points in the model along which this condition
is satisfied. This is so because, in general, the stresses are distributed in a continuous manner
in the model. The locus of points where the directions of the principal stresses coincide with
a particular orientation of the polarizer-analyzer combination is known as Isoclinic’s.

Suppose at a particular point of the model, the values of , are such as to cause a relative
phase difference of 2mπ where m is an integer. The relative phase difference is related to

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− . When the relative phase difference is 2mπ, the model behaves as a full wave plate
at that particular point. The discussion on crystal optics shown that an incident linearly
polarized light on a full-wave plate emerges as a linearly polarized light and is cut off by the
analyzer, because of its crossed position. Therefore, at all those points of the model where the
values of − are such as to cause a relative phase difference of 2mπ, the intensity of
light on the screen will be zero. On the screen, a series of dark bands corresponding to the
loci of these points are observed. These dark bands or fringes are known as Isochromatics.
An Isochromatics is a locus of points where the values of − are such as to cause a
relative phase difference of 2mπ, when background is dark.

Effect of Stressed Model in Plane Polariscopes (Dark Field

Set up)
It consists of two linear polarizer’s and a light source as shown in the figure. The linear
polarizer nearest to the light source is called polarizer. It transmits the plane polarized light in
there axis. While the second linear polarizer is away from the light source called analyzer.
Here the two axes of the polarizer’s always cross. Hence no light is transmitted through the
analyzer and produce dark field. The model is inserted and viewed through analyzer. The
polarizer is kept perpendicular to the axes of light propagation it transmits the light wave
comes only in there axes. The analyzer is kept 90 deg to the polarizer and it transmit the light
waves in there axes.

The component of light vector transmitted by the polarizer is

= cos

The light vector when incident on the model is resolved into two components along principle
stress direction.

= cos cos

= cos sin

and are incident on one side of photo-elastic model. These two components of the light
vector propagate through the stressed model at different velocities. As a result, when these
two components emerge from the model, these are out of phase. Upon leavening the model,
the two vibrating components acquire a relative phase difference of Δ. We shall assume that
leads . Hence, upon leavening the model, the vibrating components are

= cos( + Δ) cos

= cos sin

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On entering analyzer, only the components along are allowed to emerge

= sin − cos

= cos( + Δ) cos sin − cos sin cos

= cos sin [cos( + Δ) − cos ]

= sin 2 [cos cos ∆ − sin sin ∆ − cos ]

2

= sin 2 [cos (cos ∆ − 1) − sin sin ∆]

2
∆ ∆ ∆
= sin 2 −2 cos − 2sin sin
2 2 2 2
∆ ∆ ∆
= − sin 2 cos + sin
2 2 2
∆ ∆
= − sin 2 sin +
2 2
∆
= − sin +
2
∆
= sin 2 is the amplitude of emerging light vector. A measure of intensity of light
is given by the square of amplitude. In our case, the intensity is

∆
= = sin 2
2
Intensity of light coming out of analyzer is zero under two conditions

(1) When = 90
(2) When ∆= 2 ( = 0,1,2,3 … . )

First condition tells that light extinction occur at a point when direction of principal stresses
coincide with the direction of polarizer and analyzer. The locus of point when this happens is
called the Isoclinic’s.

Second condition tells that light extinction occur at a point when the relative phase difference
is equal to2 . The locus of point where this occurs is called Isochromatics.

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Effect of Stressed Model in Circular Polariscopes under

Dark Field Arrangement:

It employs circularly polarized light. The first element following light source is called
polarizer. It converts ordinary light into plane polarized light. The second wave plate is
quarter wave plate with an angle π/4 to the plane of polarization. This quarter wave plate’s
convert’s plane polarized light into circularly polarized light. The second quarter wave plate
is kept between the analyzer and model. The second quarter wave plate converts circularly
polarized light into plane polarized light. The last element is analyzer which extinguishes the
light.

The light vector emerging out of polarizer

= cos

Light vector entering first Q.W.P

= cos 45

= cos 45

1
= cos
√2
1
= cos
√2

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The two vectors travels with a different velocity along the Q.W.P so they will have an
angular phase shift of /2.

The light vector leavening first Q.W.P

= cos( + /2)
√2

= −sin( )
√2

= cos( )
√2
Here Ist light vector gains the phase shift of /2 because it travels faster than the second
light vector.

The light vector entering the model

= cos − sin

= −sin( )∗ ∗ cos − cos( )∗ ∗ sin

√2 √2

=− {sin( ) cos + cos( ) sin }

√2

=− {sin( + )}
√2

= sin + cos

= sin( )∗ ∗ sin − cos( )∗ ∗ cos

√2 √2

= {sin( ) sin −cos( ) cos }

√2

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= {cos( + )}
√2
The light vector leavening the model will have an angular phase shift

=− {sin( + + ∆)}
√2

=+ {cos( + )}
√2
The light vector entering second Q.W.P

= cos + sin

=− {sin( + + ∆)} cos + {cos( + )} sin

√2 √2

= cos − sin

= {cos( + )} cos + {sin( + + ∆)} sin

√2 √2

The light vector leaves the second Q.W.P with a phase difference of 

=− {sin( + + ∆)} cos + {cos( + )} sin 

√2 √2

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= {cos( + + /2)} cos + {sin( + +∆+ /2)} sin

√2 √2

=− {sin( + )} cos + {cos( + + ∆)} sin

√2 √2
The light vector entering the analyzer


= cos 45 − cos 45

1
= − {sin( + + ∆)} cos
√2 √2
+ {cos( + )} sin + {sin( + )} cos
√2 √2
− {cos( + + ∆)} sin
√2

= [{cos( + )} sin + {sin( + )} cos − {cos( + + ∆)} sin

2
+ {sin( + + ∆)} cos ]

= [{sin( + 2 )} − {sin( + 2 + ∆)}]

2
∆ ∆
= cos +2 + sin
2 2
∆
= cos +2 +
2
∆
= = sin
2

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Since the intensity of light is square of amplitude the frequency is very high any extinction
produced by this cannot be detected by photographic equipment hence isoclinic are
eliminated from the fringe pattern, observed with circular polarizer. The fringe pattern
associated with the pattern is Isochromatics fringe pattern. Thus circular polariscopes
eliminates isoclinic fringe pattern. Thus circular polariscopes eliminates isoclinic’s fringe
pattern and returns only Isochromatics fringe pattern.

Effect of Stressed Model in Circular Polariscope under Dark

Field Arrangement:
Consider axes of polarizer and analyzers are parallel. Thus

= cos 45 + cos 45

1
= − {sin( + + ∆)} cos
√2 √2
+ {cos( + )} sin − {sin( + )} cos
√2 √2
+ {cos( + + ∆)} sin
√2

= [{cos( + )} sin − {sin( + )} cos + {cos( + + ∆)} sin

2
− {sin( + + ∆)} cos ]

= [−{sin( )} − {sin( + ∆)}]

2
∆ ∆
= − ∗ 2 ∗ sin + ∗ cos
2 2 2

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∆ ∆
= − sin + ∗ cos
2 2
∆
= − sin +
2
∆
= cos
2
∆
= = cos
2
For extinction to occur

∆
= (2 + 1) = 0,1,2, ….
2 2
∆ 1
= = +
2 2
Hence the order of first fringe observed in a light field polariscopes is ½ which corresponds
to n=0. The higher order fringe will be 3/2, 5/2, 7/2,….etc. therefore by using dark and bright
field setup of the circular polariscopes, it is possible to obtain the fringe order to the nearest
½ order.

Method of compensation
Consider any one point in the model, the relative retardation is between 3 to 3.5as
observed by the bright and dark field setups. Let us assume that the value is 3.36this is
equal to 3.36 fringe order. The decimal part i.e., 0.36 of this value is called the fractional
fringe order at that point. The compensation means raising the existing value 3.36 to 4 or
reducing the value to 3.0.

(1) Babinet-Soleil compensator

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It consists of two quartz wedges cut similarly with respect to their optical axes. A and B are
the two wedges with their fast axes similarly oriented, so that the two wedges together form
one rectangular piece of uniform thickness.

By moving one wedge with respect to the other, the thickness of the combination over this
portion can be varied. Next to the wedge combination is a quartz plate C of uniform
thickness. The fast axes of this are right angle to the fast axes of wedge combination.

The retardation given by the plate c can be cancelled partially or fully by varying the
thickness of the wedge combination. Hence by adjusting the overall thickness of the wedge
combination the compensator can add or subtracts the relative retardation within a given
range. The micrometer screw is calibrated in number of wavelengths of retardation added or
subtracted along marked axes of compensator.

The compensator is kept before or after the model and is oriented along the principal stress
axis at the point of interest in the model. When t1=t2 no relative retardation take place,
however for t2>t1 positive and t1>t2, negative retardation can be produced over the whole
area of the compensator plate.

(2) The Tardy Method of Compensation

The Tardy method of compensator is generally preferred over the Babinet-Soleil method
since no auxiliary equipment is required and analyzer of polariscopes is aligned with the
direction of the principal stresses at that point of interest and all other elements of
polariscopes are rotated relative to polarizer so that standard dark field polariscopes exist.
Then the analyzer alone is rotated to obtain extinction. The rotation of analyzer gives
fractional fringe order.

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

The light vector emerging out from the second Q.W.P is

=− sin − +∆ cos − + cos − sin − 

√2 4 4 √2 4 4

=− sin − +∆ − cos − 
2 4 2 4

=− sin − cos − + cos − +∆ sin −

√2 4 4 √2 4 4

=− sin − − cos − +∆
2 4 2 4
Let be the angle through which analyzer should be rotated to obtain extinction i.e., =0
then,

= cos + − cos −
4 4

= − sin − +∆ − cos − cos +

2 4 2 4 4
− − sin − − cos − +∆ cos −
2 4 2 4 4

=− sin − +∆ cos + + cos − cos +

2 4 4 4 4
− cos − sin − + cos − cos − +∆
4 4 4 4
After simplification we will have

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∆ ∆
= sin + sin −
2 2
If intensity is zero

∆
sin − =0
2
∆
− =
2
∆
= +
2
Where m = 0 1, 2, 3….

∆
N= = +
2
If the analyzer is rotated in the opposite direction then

∆
N= =( + 1) −
2
A plane polariscopes arrangement is first employed so that are isoclinic fringe will pass
through the point of interest. Now a plane polariscopes is converted to circular polariscopes
dark field arrangement. Then analyzer rotated until extinction occurs at a point of interest.

Eg: if analyzer rotated through an angle, such that second order i.e, m=2 fringe passes
through the point of interest then directly fringe order is given by

∆
N= = + =2+
2
If analyzer rotate in opposite direction

∆
N= =( + 1) − =3−
2

(3) Friedel’s Method

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Steps followed for doing Friedel’s method

1. Remove first Q.W.P

2. Rotate polarizer and analyzer so that their axes makes an angle of 45 deg with principle
direction in the model at that point of interest.
3. Rotate second Q.W.P until one axes is parallel to axes of polarizer.
4. Rotate the analyzer until extinction is obtained at the point.

The light vector emerging out of polarizer

= cos

Since polarizer is set 45 deg to axes of principle direction in model hence on entering the
model the light vector is resolved into two components given by

= cos 45

1
= cos
√2

= cos 45

1
= cos
√2

The model introduces a phase difference of therefore on leaving the model, the
components of light vector becomes,

= cos( + ∆) 
√2

= cos
√2

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the fast axes of Q.W.P is set 90 deg to polarizer axes. Hence on entering the Q.W.P the light
components become,

= cos 45 − cos 45

= {cos( + ∆) − cos }
2
= cos 45 + cos 45

= {cos( + ∆) + cos }
2

On leaving the Q.W.P the Q.W.P introduce phase difference of hence on leaving the
Q.W.P. the light vector becomes

= cos +∆+ − cos +

2 2 2

= {− sin( + ∆) + sin }
2

= {cos( + ∆) + cos }
2
The analyzer is rotated through an angle of to obtain extinction at the point of interest.
Light transmitted through analyzer is

= cos − sin

= − [sin( + ∆) − sin ] cos − [cos( + ∆) + cos ] sin

2 2
∆ ∆ ∆ ∆
=− 2 cos + sin cos + 2 cos + cos sin
2 2 2 2 2
When intensity of light is zero

∆ ∆
= sin cos + cos sin =0
2 2
∆ ∆
sin cos + cos sin =0
2 2
∆
sin + =0
2
∆
+ = = 0,1,2, …
2

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∆
= = −
2

Fringe Sharpening by Partial Mirror

To decrease the band width of Isochromatics fringes ordinary circular polariscopes is
modified by inserting partial mirrors on both side of the model and both are parallel to the
model.

We know that intensity of light

∆ ∆
= sin = sin
2 2
The intensity of light is modified by the transmittance (T) and refractance (R)

For ray 1, the intensity of light is lost by reflection from the partial mirror and resultant I will
become

∆ ∆
= R sin = sin
2 2
Similarly Ray 3 passes through the model 3 times and combined to yield intensity

3∆
= R sin
2
For mth ray

∆
= R( )
sin
2
The intensities , , add arithmetically the intensity of sharpened Isochromatics fringe is
given by

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Experimental Stress Analysis

∆
= R( )
sin
2

The loss of intensity can be minimized by selecting mirror co-efficient R and T. Assuming
mirrors are perfect

T+R=1

T=1-R

R( )
≤1

Intensity of sharpened fringe pattern is decrease by R( )

compare to ordinary fringe pattern.

In actual practice rays are not inclined as shown: these rays propagate back and forth through the
model at the same point of the model number of times and intensity of ray progressively
diminishes.

Fringe Multiplication by Partial Mirror

Fringe multiplication is concerned important since standard method of compensation used to
evaluate the fraction fringe order are time consuming and in some case also inaccurate.
Fringe multiplication is a compensation technique where the fractional orders of the fringe
can be determined simultaneously at all points on the model.

Partial mirror can be used to multiply the number of Isochromatics fringes if one partial mirror is
placed parallel to the photo elastic model and the other partial mirror is placed slightly inclined

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Experimental Stress Analysis

with the plane of photo elastic model as shown in fig. partial mirror PM I is parallel to model M
but partial mirror PM II is slightly inclined with the model at an angle Ray 1 emerges from
partial mirror II, traversing two times the partial mirrors and one time through the model,
intensity of light for ray 1 is

∆
= sin
2
3∆
= R sin
2
5∆
= R sin
2
∆
= R sin
2

Different rays are inclined with the axis of polariscopes, at angle 0, 246as shown, each
ray gets isolated and passes out from different points of the model. Any of these rays can be
observed at the proper image point of focal field lens.

As is obvious from the intensity equations above, Isochromatics fringe patterns can be multiplied
by 1, 3, 5, 7 and so on. Fringes are not only multiplied but they are sharpened at the same time.
Fringe order recorded with ray 1 are 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5….. Fringe order recorded with ray 3 is
0, 1/6, 1/3, ½, 2/3, 5/6, 1… Similarly fringe orders recorded with ray 5 are 0.1, 0.2, and 0 .3,
0.4… As tilting angle increases fringes also increases thus fringe multiplication by this
method is accomplished by considerable loss in the light intensity I of the multiplied fringe
pattern as compared with the ordinary fringe pattern.

Calibration Techniques
The photo elastic material has to be calibrated to determine the material fringe value so as to
convert the fringe orders into stresses. The following methods may be used to calibrate a photo
elastic model.

1. Simple tensile specimen:

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Experimental Stress Analysis

If we prepare a simple tensile specimen as shown in fig(a), whose width is w and thickness h,
then under load P, the uniform stress in the test specimen is

− = ⁄ ℎ

Then

=0

Applying stress optic law, we get

− =
ℎ

=
ℎ ℎ

Hence, =

In the tensile specimen, we get escaping type of fringes, i.e. as the load is increased from
zero, successive fringe appear in the field of view and disappear as the load is increased.
Generally a graph is plotted between the load applied P and fringe order N as shown in fig
(b) and its slope is determined, which is substituted in above eq to determine . In this
method load P has to be adjusted to have a full fringe order in the field of view. In another
technique, the Tardy’s method of compensation is used, where for a particular load P the
extinction angle are plotted against the applied stress . Then by knowing the slope of the
curve, we have

= . ℎ. 180

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Experimental Stress Analysis

In a similar way a compensation test piece may also be used.

2. Beam under pure bending:

A rectangular beam of thickness h and depth w as shown in fig (a) may be used and subjected
to pure bending to determine . Pure bending in the beam may be produced by applying
equal load P at a distance a from the ends of a beam of length l as shown. The uniform
bending moment M in the middle portion of the beam is

The stress in the beam are

= . = = , =0
ℎ 2 ℎ
12 6

Hence, =
6
=

A graph is plotted between P and N and the slope of the curve is substituted in above eq to
determine . Here we get non-escaping type of fringes.

The fringe pattern in the pure bending calibration specimen are shown in fig below

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Experimental Stress Analysis

3. Circular disc under diametral compression:

For a circular disc of diameter D and thickness h as shown in fig (a), when subjected to a
diametral compressive load P, the stresses along the horizontal diameter are given by

2 −4
= =
ℎ +4

2 4
= =− −1
ℎ [ +4 ]

=0

8 [1 − 4( ⁄ ) ]
− =
ℎ [1 + 4( ⁄ ) ]

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Experimental Stress Analysis

At the center, i.e. = 0,

2
=
ℎ
6
=−
ℎ

Hence − = =

8
=

By knowing the value of P for a particular fringe order N at the center of disc, a graph can be
plotted, whose slope is substituted in above eq to determine the value of .

The fringe pattern in the circular disc is shown in fig below

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