3D strain field measurement by correlation of volume images using scattered light:: Recording of images and choice of marks

We have extended the Digital Image Correlation technique to the case in three dimensions. This new technique, allowing the full three-dimensional (3D) strain measurement in the bulk of a solid, needs volume images containing a 3D variation of the grey levels. Generally, volume images are obtained by X-ray computed tomography. In this paper, we present a procedure that is easier to implement and enables to generate volume image in transparent materials. The principle consists in the optical slicing of the specimen. To obtain a random distribution of grey levels within the volume image, we use the scattered light phenomenon induced by particles included in the specimen. The recording of 3D images by optical slicing is presented and the influence of different kinds of particles on the scattered light and on the accuracy of measurement is described. Through several tests involving rigid body displacements and a tensile test we show the performance of this technique and we evaluate the measurement error of displacement and strain components.