Applications of an automated reflection polariscope using spectral analysis

An automated reflection polariscope has been produced that uses the method of spectral analysis to measure the fringe order at a point on a photoelastic coating. Two specimens were used to evaluate the instrument, a disc under diametrical compression and a plate with three holes in it that was loaded in bending. The fringe orders measured by the instrument were compared with manual measurements, and theoretical predictions of the fringe orders in the disc. These are believed to be the first detailed results obtained from an automated reflection polariscope employing the method of spectral analysis, to have been published.