Thermomechanics and Infra-Red Imaging

The Technical Division (TD) was originally formed in 1990 as the Thermal Methods TD, with a focus on dealing with the use of thermal measurements for the characterization of materials and the mechanical behavior of structures. At that time the focus of the Technical Division was on Thermoelastic Stress Analysis (TSA) and encompassed the American SPATE (Stress Pattern Analysis by Thermal Emissions) User Group.

Currently more attention is being focused on  ‘thermomechanics’ where strong thermomechanical couplings that result in nonlinear behavior such as viscoelasticity, diffusivity and material phase changes are being studied, along with the more traditional areas of stress analysis, damage evaluation, NDE and failure assessments. Recent advances in infra-red detectors and imaging devices have enabled improved sensitivity and resolution. More reliable temperature calibrations of the devices have meant that more accurate data can be obtained than were previously available and coupled with a reduction in costs have marked a step change in the usage of thermal imaging in experimental mechanics.

In the light of the above recent advances, at the 2010 SEM Spring Conference it was decided realign the Technical Division so that it covers thermomechanics in its broader sense. The primary interest is still on the application of infra-red imaging but now with a view to including other imaging techniques in white and coherent light to elicit information from both thermal and mechanical loading scenarios and to define the coupling between both.

It is intended to launch the new TD by sponsoring a track at the 2011 SEM Spring conference and to continue the tradition of technical forums leading to the exchange of information. Plans for the future include the continuation of these activities and the integration of the TD participation into a short course on Infra-red imaging to contribute to the education aspects of Society activities.

Thermomechanics and Infra-Red Imaging - Updated May 2013

Notes from TD meeting held at the Hilton Costa Mesa, June 10-14 2012

1. Successful organization of Track on Thermomechanics and Infrared Imaging

The TD had organized a smaller track at the SEM Annual Conference 2012, with 6 papers covering a broad range of issues including,  multiscale thermodynamic couplings, thermography in fatigue and damage assessment, application to composite materials and thermoelastic stress analysis.

2. Updates to Thermomechanics TD webpage

It was suggested at the previous meeting in 2011 that the TD collate a database of technical papers associated with the subject matter of the TD and have this freely available to SEM Members. Another suggestion was to add posters and/or slides to the Thermomechanics web page showing the range of possible activities

3. Workshop on IR Thermography

It was proposed to arrange a workshop on infra-red thermography in experimental mechanics to take place on a full day (Sunday) before next conference and organized by Janice Barton.  This may include a hands on session with demos from various IR camera manufactures

4. Special Issue of Experimental Mechanics

It was proposed that the TD should produce a Special Issue of Experimental Mechanics on Thermomechanics for publication towards the end of 2014. JB agreed to write and distribute the scope of the issue and to act as liaison person with Experimental Mechanics.

5. Broaden Scope of TD

It was proposed to broaden the scope of the division and show people the true range of work that can be addressed using thermal methods.  It was suggested to review conferences with tracks in thermal mechanics (QIRT/ Inframations/SPIE and ICEM) and contact researchers directly to invite them to SEM.

6. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the TD will be held at the SEM Annual Conference 2013 in Lombard, IL USA, USA

It was agreed that the following officers would remain until the upcoming TD

Chair                    Dr. David Backman

Vice-Chair          Prof. Robert Rowland

Secretary            Dr. Rachel Tomlinson