Vic-3D Educational System

The new VIC-3D Educational (EDU) System from Correlated Solutions is a low-cost solution developed for academic institutions to assist in teaching the Digital Image Correlation technique to undergraduate and graduate students.

The VIC-3D EDU system utilizes the same accurate DIC algorithms found in the powerful VIC-3D software, while allowing users to acquire data quickly and easily. The system features a simplified setup, streamlined image acquisition, and ideal post-processing features. The stereo cameras are mounted inside a protective enclosure, which includes an integrated LED light source, a cooling fan, and an exterior USB & power connectors. The system also includes a tripod, tripod head, speckle roller, ink pad, calibration target, and a convenient carrying case.

This product is the perfect addition to engineering courses such as solid mechanics, measurements, structures, automotive design, aerospace, safety, FEA validation, and many others. Furthermore, the VIC-3D EDU software has the ability to process images acquired from any VIC-3D EDU system, which allows users to share images not only across campus, but also with colleagues at other universities. The system simply requires a computer with one available USB3 port and one available power source. Whether you are teaching students new measurement techniques or validating FEA models, this system will surely enhance the quality of your department’s curriculum.

VIC-3D Educational System specifications:

Camera Resolution	1920 x 1200 (2.3 Megapixels)
Frame Rate	20Hz live, .5Hz acquisition, 100 frames per capture
Exposure Time	19µs – 1s
Field of View	Fixed: 150 x 200mm
Displacement Resolution	In-plane: +/-2µm; Out-of-plane: +/-4µm
Strain Measurement Resolution	50µε
Strain Measurement Range	0.005% to >2000%
VIC-3D EDU Licenses	Unlimited
Software Features	3D displacements, strains, graphing tools, and much more

For more information or a quotation please don’t hesitate to contact us on info@isi-sys.com or via phone: +49 561 739798–0.

3D-Micro-DIC System

The 3D-Micro-DIC stereo sensor system is developed for full field strain and deformation measurement on small FOV with highest precision and resolution over the complete field of view by 3D digital image correlation (DIC). It also operates as extensometer for real-time stain control. The Example below shows the new sensor version 2019 for 1:1 magnification. FOV range starts from 2:1 with 4.2 x 3.5 mm @ 5Mpx and 75Hz.

Advantages and features of the 3D-Micro-DIC system:

Compact and rigid design, quick set-up and easy handling
Pre-adjusted, fixed field of view and stable calibration
Specially designed for small and very small field of view (FOV)
Reliable and fast USB 3.0 interface for Desktop or Laptop PCs
Turn-key solution including Vic-Snap and Vic-Gauge 3
DRobust and reliable post-processing with Vic-3D

strainograph-test-sample

strainograph-diagram

Technical highlights of the 3D-Micro-DIC system

3D full field (5Mpx@75Hz frame rate) continuously recording on SSD
Higher framerates at reduced resolution
(e. g. [Pixel@Hz]: 1600x1200@133; 1920x1080@148; 1280x720@217; 800x600@258; 640x480@315; 320x240@576).
suitable for Video-Extensometer functions and real time feedback control
Strain noise level of ±0,001% (±10µstrain) and better by time averaging
Deformation sensitivity in nm range (1/100 pixel) depending on FOV

Available small FOV versions [mm]

1:2 Magnification (~ 16mm x 12mm @ 2.8 mm FOD)

1:1 Magnification (~ 8mm x 6mm @ 1.2 mm FOD)

2:1 Magnification (~ 4.2mm x 3.5mm @ 0.25 mm FOD)

Data acquisition units (DAQ) for 3D-Micro-DIC

strainograph-daq2

Image synchronised analogue data recording (8x differential mode,16 bit, ±10V)
2 x analogue output channels for feedback control (16 bit, ±10V)
Camera triggering and (optional) phase synchronisation for periodic signals
Fully integrated and supported by all VIC ^TM software modules

Principle of Digital Image Correlation

Digital Image Correlation (often referred to as “DIC”) is an easy to use proven optical method to measure deformation on an object surface. The method tracks the gray value pattern in small neighborhoods called subsets (indicated in red in the figure below) during deformation. Digital Image Correlation has been proven over and over to be accurate when compared to valid FEA models. The commercially available VIC-2D and VIC-3D systems from Correlated Solutions both utilize this advanced optical measurement technology.

Digital Image Correlation Overview

Below are the reasons why its versatility, robustness, and ease of use make it the only choice when it comes to digital image correlation.

DIC - Principle of Digital Image Correlation

Two-dimensional Example

In the two pictures below you can see a speckle pattern on an aluminum sample with two offset semi-circular cut-outs. The two pictures were taken from an animation with the left image taken from the beginning and the right picture taken from the end of the animation. Since the deformation is predominantly in-plane, a single camera can be used to measure the deformation.

Small Deformation

Large Deformation

The pictures below show the horizontal strain measured by two-dimensional image correlation for the pictures shown above.

Three-dimensional Example

These two speckle images below were taken simultaneously with the left and right camera of a stereo-system. The sample itself is a piece of glass with the company logo sticker adhered to the surface. The speckle pattern was applied using standard off-the-shelf flat white and black spray paint. Can you make out the shape?

Left View

Right View

In the plot below the shape of the logo sticker measured with the VIC-3D System is shown. The thickness of the logo sticker is approximately 0.003″ or 0.070mm.

For more infomation have a look at our DIC products or contact us via info@isi-sys.com or +49 561 — 739798–0

Combination of Digital Image Correlation and Thermography

Thermography is based on the principle that induced heat in mechanical components causes a different temperature field in the area of defects or inhomogeneities. The digital image correlation is a powerful system for measuring and visualizing strain, deformation and 3D surface shape.

The VIC-3D IR System features an infrared (IR) camera that is integrated with the DIC cameras enabling temperature data to be accurately acquired and analyzed with the full-field strain and deformation data. The system works by first calibrating the intrinsic optical parameters of the IR camera and then calibrating the position of the IR camera relative to the stereo DIC system. This triangulation allows VIC-3D to place the thermal and strain (or deformation) as well as 3D surface data into a common coordinate system.

The calibration procedure has been streamlined by integrating the IR camera into our VIC-Snap image acquisition software, which allows the user to capture images from the IR and DIC cameras simultaneously. The result is an easy to use turn-key thermal imaging system that utilizes digital image correlation to accurately measure temperature and strain concurrently without any contact with the sample. Thermal and strain data can be viewed, analyzed, and extracted over the entire field or at precise locations.

The system is sold as a turn-key solution which includes all software, hardware, onsite installation, and one year of unlimited technical support and software upgrades giving you piece of mind that your system functions as intended, so you can start acquiring data immediately. This unique thermal integration capability may also be added to any existing VIC-3D system for increased functionality.

System Configuration and Features

Both the IR camera for thermography and the two CCD cameras for 3D image correlation are mounted on a standard stereo bar.

Temperatures up to 2,000C
Synchronized IR and DIC images
User-friendly setup and calibration
Uniquely designed IR calibration targets
Analog data synchronization
Extract points, regions, or node locations for FEA validation
Accurately measure deformation and thermal data concurrently
Remotely view and acquire images using the Vic-Snap remote
Measure 3D full-field displacements and strains
All the features for the VIC-3D system included

dic-thermografie

Advantages of this multi-function device are all applications with component deformations caused by thermal energy like current flow. This product allows a simultaneously determination of the heat flows as well as strain and deformation.

Example 1: Photovoltaic Module

Defective photovoltaic modules have been measured during operation over several minutes. A preparation with speckle pattern is necessary for digital image correlation (here the backside of the panel). The marked areas are heated up due to electric/mechanical errors during operation.

Principal strain (epsilon 1) over time (index) of the points C0, C1, C2 shown in the image below. Following three dimensional presentation of the temperature values.

Three dimensional graph of the conture, superposed with the measured temperature (colour scale).

Three dimensional graph fo the conture, superposed with the strain measurement (colour scale).

Example 2: Analysis of simultaneous one-sided heating and compressive loading on an e‑glass/vinyl ester/ balsa wood sandwich composite sample

Understanding thermo-mechanical behavior of material can be a vital component when designing vehicles and structures that may become exposed to high temperatures. Virginia Tech’s Extreme Environments, Robotics, and Materials (ExtReMe) Laboratory focuses on the impact of extreme environments on materials. This includes research that is focused on understanding the thermo-mechanical behavior of materials both during and following fires. Experimental investigations are performed to understand the evolution of the material due to elevated temperature.

The senior research associates in the lab used the VIC-3D IR system to find the effects of a simultaneous one-sided heating and compressive loading test on an e‑glass/vinyl ester/balsa wood sandwich composite sample. As one researcher stated, “The VIC-3D IR system identied several transient events during the compression tests which would not have otherwise been fully understood using either DIC or IRT independently. Through this testing, several features of sandwich composite thermomechanical behavior were elucidated which would not have been possible with traditional point measurements (e.g. strain gages, defectometers, or thermocouples).”

Image above: Analysis of simultaneous one-sided heating and compressive loading on an e‑glass/vinyl ester/ balsa wood sandwich composite sample, Identifying several transient events, which would not have been fully understood (stated by the enginners of Virgina Tech´s ExtReMe Laboratory) using either DIC or IRT independently or only applying traditional point measurements (e.g. strain gages, deectometers, or thermocouples). Source: Virgina Tech´s ExtReMe Laboratory

Vic-3D Stereo Microscope

The Vic-3D Micro system is a new addition to the Vic-3D product line of measurement solutions. Vic-3D Micro enables accurate displacement and strain measurements under high magnification.

Background

Three-dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) has found widespread popularity for strain measurements due to its excellent accuracy, robustness and ease of use. However, 3D measurements have been difficult to obtain on specimens where high magnification is required. This is mainly due to the lack of optics with sufficient depth-of-field to acquire two high magnification images from different viewing angles.

Stereo microscopes overcome these depth-of-field limitations. However, the internal construction of stereo microscopes prevents proper correction of image distortions using traditional models, such as Seidel lens distortions. These uncorrected images will result in severely biased shape and strain measurements. In fact, it is not uncommon to observe bias levels of several thousand microstrain.

To overcome this problem, Correlated Solutions, Inc., has developed and patented an easy-to-use calibration method that does not suffer from the problems associated with traditional parametric distortion models. The calibration method computes the non-parametric distortion fields of the stereo microscope and has been shown to completely eliminate shape and strain bias from the measurements.

System Features

Field of view (zoom range): 0.8mm-7mm
Full-field measurements of 3D coordinates, displacements, velocities, and complete strain tensors
Automatic calibration
Image pairs can be automatically overlapped with a simple adjustment
Powerful tools for visualizing data
- Contour displays which can be overlaid onto images of the test specimen
- Data extraction from 3D plots based on user defined lines and circles
- Post-processing tools for statistical analysis, stress-strain curves, and more
Convenient exporting of data with the FLEXPort data tool
- Data can be exported in Tecplot/plain ASCII, Matlab, and STL formats
- Node data can be easily extracted for FEA validation
One year of technical support and software upgrade
One-year replacement warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship on all parts

Application examples about Vic-3D Micro:

Servered ceramic capacitor chip under bending load

Combination Stereomicroscope and Vic-3D digital image correlation

Combination of Fulcrum and FFT module

The combination of the new Vic-3D FFT-Module and the known synchronisation / trigger device with Fulcrum module of isi-sys GmbH / Correlated Solutions INC for Vibrocorrelation permits full modal and vibration analysis using conventional low speed cameras. It can be applied on objects with high frequency excitation, which can replace High-Speed (HS) cameras, when conventional shakers are used for excitation.

Excitation signal

A periodic vibration signal with a wide frequency spectrum (e. g. chirp, fast sweep) is applies to a structure via an electrodynamic, hydraulic or piezo shaker. The cameras of a stereoscopic system are set to a short exposure duration (we use 200μs here) and they are triggered though the Fulcrum module of Vic-Snap.

The excitation signal is shown in the images below. A pulse is generated by the function generator for each cycle of the excitation (chirp) signal and connected to the synchronisation device below.

Anregungssignal

Image 1 — Frequency spectrum

Anregungssignal 2

Image 2 — Excitation signal

Synchronisation

The cameras are triggered through the standard synchronisation/trigger device DAQ-STD-8D controlled by the Fulcrum Module for Vic-Snap/ Vic-3D.

FFT Module Evaluation Examples

The following results show the workspace of the FFT Module in Vic-3D with amplitude (left) and phase (right). Shifting the frequency value in the graphs below (amplitude or phase vs frequency) permits to select the corresponding mode shape for any analysed frequency. The amplitudes (left) are displayed here as 3D plot, other options are e.g. generation of animated videos of the mode shape vibration.

The results on a sqare plate 140 x 140mm of different resonance frequences are shown in the images below.

263Hz

Image 3 — Resonance at 263 Hz

707Hz

Image 4 — Resonance at 707 Hz

875Hz

Image 5 — Resonance at 875 Hz

Application example of the FFT module:

Operation mode analysis on a mobile phone during vibration alert

Setup. Control. Acquire.

x

The new Vic-Snap Remote app will change

the way you set up your image correlation tests.

Conveniently view live images on your mobile device or tablet while setting up the cameras. Zoom in with a pinch to adjust your focus. The crosshairs help align the cameras just perfectly. Control exposure to get your images well lit (the histogram helps, too). Acquire calibration images with a tap. Compatible with most iOS and Android devices. Now available on the App Store and the Google Play Store.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Features

Remotely view and acquire images from Vic-Snap image acquisition systems
Detect and control multiple Vic-Snap systems with one device
Pinch-to-zoom live images
Double-tap images for full-screen viewing
Adjust the cameras’ exposure time
Acquire calibration and test images with automatic file naming
Toggle cross-hairs for alignment
View gray scale histogram for adjusting exposure
Over and under-exposure indicated using red and blue

You will find further information about VIC Snap Remote on the following web page:

http://www.correlatedsolutions.com/vic-snap-remote/

Vic-3D High-Speed Vibration Analysis System

Vibration1 Vibration2

The Vic-3D™ Vibration Analysis System by Correlated Solutions, Inc. is a new addition to the Vic-3D product line of measurement solutions. Vic-3D Vibration enables full-field 3D viewing, measurement, and analysis of transient events. Full-field operational deflection shapes in the frequency domain can easily be seen and compared with levels of accuracy in the nanometer range.

The image above on the left is a mounted model jet plane which has undergone a transient vibration event. To the right, the 3D vibration data obtained from the event is shown as a 2D contour overlay on this image. The data overlay enables the user to see exactly how much deformation is occurring and where it is occurring. This information is available at each frequency where deflection shapes occur.

The data below displays one operational deflection shape obtained with the VIC-3D™ Vibration Analysis System. Three-dimensional displacements, strains, velocities, and accelerations can all be computed in the analysis software. The result is not only visual, but also enables the user to export quantitative data (ASCII, MatLab, CSV, etc.) from the sample’s behavior for FEA analysis and validation. A 3D animation of the model jet’s operational deflection shape at 441 Hz is shown below, with only 12 microns of displacement amplitude.

Film Vibration3D_W_431Hz

What is transient vibration analysis?

Transient vibration analysis is the process of monitoring, measuring, and analyzing the condition of samples during a transient event. Material properties can also be observed through the analysis of operational deflection shapes and mode shapes created by the event. These full-field 3D shapes can provide useful information which can be used to improve and correct a sample’s balance, displacement, flexure, rigidity, and overall product performance. Measuring operational deflection shapes can help answer the question: “How much is this structure actually moving at a particular frequency?”

Why is it important to you?

Operational deflection shapes created from transient tests show how a sample can have a nonuniform thicknesses, surface irregularities, weak points, cracks and/or other imperfections & flaws. This information can be useful at any point in the process of achieving your overall goal, from writing a project proposal to testing a functional or failing part in the field: The Vic-3D™ Vibration Analysis System

Has a justifiable price point when writing proposals
Can be used:
- To create and validate FE models when designing parts & equipment
- During the research and design process
- In the product testing phase
- To provide manufacturing quality assurance
- To certify and assure equipment is operating as expected and required
- To measure and analyze parts post-installation
- To ensure product quality and performance over time and in the field
- When reassessing product functionality over time

Examples of transient events which can be measured are the following:

▪ Door Slams	▪ Modal Hammer Strikes
▪ Engine Start-ups	▪ Drop Tests
▪ Explosive Testing	▪ Ballistic Testing

System Features

View, compare, animate, graph, extract, and export data for easy FEA comparison
Measure 3D full-field, high frequency mode shapes with nanometer resolution
Measure extremely low amplitudes with extremely high accelerations
Full-field strain, deformation, and shape variables are still available
Easy procedures, accurate results
User friendly interface
Only a fraction of the price of a laser vibrometer system

Advantages over other measurement techniques

While traditional vibration measurement techniques can be useful, they also have many drawbacks. For example, accelerometers can become unglued during testing, can mass-load a sample, and can only provide point to point measurements, often only in a single plane. Pre-testing and testing can also take days or even weeks to perform on large structures. With the Vic-3D™ Vibration Analysis system, there are no adhesives, wires, signal analyzers, power amplifiers, or load cells necessary for detailed vibration results. Obtaining thousands of data points for a tiny, complex structure or a large one is as easy as changing a pair of lenses. Similar to digital image correlation, laser vibrometers can provide a non-contact measurement solution, but similar to accelerometers, they are also only able provide point to point measurements. A 3D measurement can be achieved with multiple scanning vibrometers, but these are usually mounted on large robot arms which can take up valuable laboratory space and cannot be moved easily once installed. Additionally, these systems are unreasonably expensive for many applications. The Vic-3D™ Vibration Analysis system can be taken into the field with any compatible laptop and together with the Vic-3D™ Workstation, the system can become mobile and secure inside your facility. Vic-3D Vibration Analysis is only a fraction of the price of a 3D scanning laser vibrometer system, and since the module can be added onto any existing 3D system, it’s even more affordable.

Vic-Volume — Software

The new Vic-Volume software by Correlated Solutions is an exciting addition to the Vic image correlation product line. Vic-Volume utilizes volumetric images from X‑Rays or CT-Scanners to measure internal deformation of a specimen under an applied load. Vic-Volume analyzes the acquired images to create three-dimensional volumetric displacement and strain data of the specimen’s internal behavior. The resulting data is a full-field contour plot of the deformation data that can be viewed, animated, and extracted for FEA validation. The image to the left displays the internal strain (Ezz) of a rubber puck undergoing compression.

Technology Background

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) has found widespread popularity among scientists, researchers and engineers across the globe due to its accuracy, robustness, versatility, flexibility and overall ease of use. DIC is commonly used to measure 2D and 3D surface deformation and strain utilizing white light machine vision digital cameras. Correlated Solutions has offered turn-key 2D and 3D DIC systems since 1998, and continues to develop and add new advanced DIC products to our growing product line. More recently, Correlated Solutions has developed new software that utilities images from X‑Rays or CT scanners to measure volumetric deformation of an object under an applied load.

The diagram above displays a typical setup of how the images are acquired during a test. The scanner acquires images at specific depth coordinates, and then Vic-Volume analyzes the image slices to construct a 3D volume made up of voxels. The individual voxels are the building blocks for the sub-volume, which contain the volumetric image correlation data.

Example

VIC Volume4

A reinforced rubber matrix composite is mounted between two grips, and a set of reference images are acquired from a CT scanner at know increments. Each ‘slice’ of data is then analyzed to compute a static volume measurement. After the specimen undergoes a tensile load, images are acquired again by the CT scanner at the same locations. Digital Image Correlation algorithms are used to calculate the volumetric change or deformation at each individual voxel, which make up the 3D volume.

The above animation displays the internal strain (Ezz) of a reinforced rubber matrix composite undergoing tension. The volumetric strain data can be viewed, analyzed, or extracted as a volume or as individual data slices. The internal tension strain can clearly be seen.

Vic-Volume Software Features

Convenient AOI selection method through “Tweening’’
Semi-automatic initial guess computation
Optimized for accuracy reduce non-linear optimization to reduce bias and interpolation artifacts
Highly Advanced memory management permits analysis of huge volumetric data sets
Volumetric 3D displacements & strains

Vic-Gauge 2D/3D — Technology Overview

Vic-Gauge uses our optimized 2‑D and 3‑D correlation algorithms to provide real-time displacement and strain data for mechanical testing. Think of this tool as a set of virtual strain gauges: Data can be retrieved for multiple points and plotted live against analog load inputs. Results are saved for every analyzed point, and full images may be saved for full-field analysis in Vic-2D or Vic-3D.

VIC Gauge

Measurement System Feature Overview

The Vic-Gauge 3D system is offered as a turnkey strain measurement solution that doubles as a video extensometer and virtual strain gauge. The system performs a three-dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) analysis on a pair of images in real-time, processes the data, an then outputs a control signal. The measurements are displayed graphically, but also as virtual gauges values. The system utilizes the same robust and precise algorithms found in the Vic-3D system, and the same ease of use.

General Features:

Real-time measurement of strain and displacement at one or many discrete points
Measure strain data at points, or use virtual extensometers to connect locations
Analog value inputs for real-time load vs. strain reporting
Dual BNC analog outputs for non-contacting strain or displacement control of test
frames, forming machines, etc.
Each gauge measures
- X, Y, & Z coordinates
- X, Y, & Z displacement
- Full strain and shear tensor
- First and second principal strains
Full test setup can be saved as a project for fast, consistent repeated tests

VIC-3D Educational System specifications:

Advantages and features of the 3D-Micro-DIC system:

Technical highlights of the 3D-Micro-DIC system

Available small FOV versions [mm]

Data acquisition units (DAQ) for 3D-Micro-DIC

Digital Image Correlation Overview

Two-dimensional Example

Three-dimensional Example

System Configuration and Features

Example 1: Photovoltaic Module

Example 2: Analysis of simultaneous one-sided heating and compressive loading on an e‑glass/vinyl ester/ balsa wood sandwich composite sample

Background

System Features

Excitation signal

Synchronisation

FFT Module Evaluation Examples

Application example of the FFT module:

x

The new Vic-Snap Remote app will change

the way you set up your image correlation tests.

Features

You will find further information about VIC Snap Remote on the following web page:

What is transient vibration analysis?

Why is it important to you?

System Features

Advantages over other measurement techniques

Technology Background

Example

Vic-Volume Software Features

Latest Publications

Video Tutorials and Examples

New Products

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