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 2012

Notes from TD meeting held at the Mohegan Sun Hotel, 14 June 2011

Items discussed:

1. Successful organization of Track on Infra-red Imaging and Thermal Methods

The TD had organized a Track at the SEM Annual Conference 2011, with 5 sessions, three keynote speakers and 14 other speakers.

The track marked the launch of the Thermomechanics and Infra-Red Imaging Division. The three keynote presentations were from leaders in the field:

Professor André Chrysochoos, Montpellier University, France “Energy Balance Properties of Steels Subjected to High Cycle Fatigue”

Professor Guruswami ‘Ravi’ Ravichandran, California Institute of Technology, USA, “High Speed Thermal Imaging in Dynamic Behavior of Materials”

Professor Takahide Sakagami, Kobe University, Japan, “Successful Application of Thermoelasticity to Remote Inspection of Fatigue Cracks”

The track will took place over six sessions covering high speed thermography, multiscale thermodynamic couplings, thermography in fatigue and damage assessment, application to composite materials and thermoelastic stress analysis.

The objective to share experience on how data-rich experimental mechanics can help scientists and engineers to better understand and simulate the behavior of materials and structures was achieved. Papers utilizing other imaging techniques in conjunction with infra-red approaches were a key part of the track program enabling cross-fertilization over disciplines and applications.

2. Database of Thermomechanics Technical Papers

It was suggested at the previous meeting in 2010 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. An attempt had been made by RT to invite members of the TD to contribute to this but there had been no response. It was agreed that, since they had all recently completed writing PhD theses, DB, RF, AR, and DC would collate their bibliographies and then RT would invite members to provide copies of their literature reviews in the area of Thermomechanics and Infra-Red Imaging which would be added to the lists. Then RT would explore how this database could be put onto the SEM website.

3. SEM Conference 2012

It was proposed that the TD would hold a joint symposium with the Optical Techniques TD on “Optical Techniques in Thermomechanics” at the SEM Annual Conference 2012. It was agreed that JB would liaise with OT TD and make a proposal at the Technical Activities Meeting.

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 2012. It was agreed that JB and DB would organize this issue and that AC would help to solicit papers in France and that TS would help to solicit papers in Japan.

JB agreed to write and distribute the scope of the issue and to act as liaison person with Experimental Mechanics.

AC also suggested that Thermal NDE groups should be invited to contribute. It was agreed that JMB and RT would mention this venture at each of the sessions in the TM and IRI Track on Wed and Thurs of the conference.

5. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the TD will be held at the SEM Annual Conference 2012 in Costa Mesa, CA, USA

It was agreed that the following offices would remain until the next TD:

Chair                  Prof. Janice Dulieu-Barton

Vice-Chair       Dave Backman

Secretary          Dr Rachel Tomlinson