1

Introduction

1.1 Our Subject

We live in an amazing period of technological and scientific
expansion. The rapid advance of computer modeling and computer
simulation is largely responsible, together with advancing
techniques of physical measurement and efficient data analysis. The
book is devoted to one element in this spectrum, the physical
measurement.
Our purpose is to teach high-sensitivity moire-principally moire
interferometry-including its theory and pmctice. Our focus is on
the mechanics and micromechanics of materials and structural
elements. The applications introduced here are in that category, but
the reader can look beyond these to investigate phenomena in other
disciplines of engineering and science.
The moire methods taught and illustrated here utilize visible
light. The data are received as contour maps of displacement fields.
Moire interferometry raises the sensitivity of traditional geometrical
moire to the level of optical interferometry. For most of the
illustrations in the book, the sensitivity corresponds to moire with
2400 lines/mm (60,960 lines/in.). The corresponding contour interval
is 0.417 !lm (16.4 !lin.) per fringe order. Formicromechanics, 4800
lines/mm (-122,000 lines/in.) is used and displacement maps of 17.4
nm (0.684 !lin.) per contour are produced by computer analysis of
moire fringe patterns.
The contour maps of moire interferometry represent in-plane
displacement fields, i.e., the displacements parallel to the surface of
the specimen. They are distinct from the contour maps produced by
classical interferometry and holographic interferometry, which are
most effective for determining the out-of-plane displacements. The
distinction is important for strain and stress analysis, since
engineering strains are determined by in-plane displacements.

D. Post et al., High Sensitivity Moiré

© Springer-Verlag New York, Inc. 1994
2 1 Introduction

Moire is often called a method of strain analysis. We prefer to call

it a method of experimental mechanics, since it is not always
necessary to extract the strains. Frequently the displacement field
itself is the desired result, e.g., when experimental and numerical
solutions are compared.
Computer modeling is an instrument of design. Design is the
application of theory, and theory must rest upon a solid physical
foundation. High-sensitivity moire has emerged as a powerful tool to
strengthen and extend the foundation.

1.2 Scope and Style

The book is divided into two parts, Fundamentals and Applications.
The division is somewhat artificial in that some aspects of each are
found in both parts. Both parts are intended to teach concepts and
practice. The intent, too, is to produce a self-contained treatment, one
that minimizes the need to refer to outside sources.
Part I begins with a review of optics. It covers those aspects that
are pertinent to moire, and it does so at a level usually found in a first
course on optics at colleges and universities. Physical concepts
(physical models) are emphasized. They are reinforced by.
mathematical derivations, and they are reinforced by numerical
examples of the physical variables.
A review of geometric moire comes next. An extensive body of
literature exists on this subject, and only a small portion is
addressed. It is the portion that we consider most directly related to
subsequent coverage of high-sensitivity moire and engineering
practice.
Chapters 4-13 treat moire interferometry and microscopic moire
interferometry. The subjects are developed and much attention is
given to their actual practice. Alternative configurations are
described to assure the reader that basic concepts dominate-rather
than push-button apparatus-and to inspire initiative and creative
design of experiments.
Part II addresses diverse applications. Some chapters treat
specific experimental analyses in great detail, discussing special
techniques, procedures, data and results. Others address a broad
array of experiments. Throughout Part II, however, emphasis
continues on the growth of knowledge beneficial to the
experimentalist. It is designed to stimulate inquiry and initiative.
The book should serve engineers and scientists who are concerned
with measurements of real phenomena; and it should provide a
vehicle that stimulates students to understand experimental
analyses and their practical results.