Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is an effective method of quantitatively assessing the full field of strain of a sample by comparing images before and after an applied load or deformation. Since this measurement is performed with an optical device, no physical measurements are required. This is useful when physical measurements are not desired or when local deformations are important. As a non-contact, full field of strain, optical measurement method, it is indeed perfectly fit for biomaterial and biological tissues assessment, as well as full organs.
This laboratory module, created for Biomomentum's Mach-1 mechanical tester, consists of assessing local mechanical properties of both low-density polyethylene and rat skin under uniaxial mode I edge crack testing. DIC analyses will enable visualization of strain concentration at the edge crack.