DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
IIT Ropar
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ROPAR
RUPNAGAR-140001, INDIA
DESIGN LAB 1 (MEP205) LABORATORY REPORT
For
Experiment Name: Photo-elastic Experiment with a Transmitted Light
Polariscope
Submitted by
Abhigyan Singh(2023MEB1320)
Lab Group No: MO_A
Second Semester, 2024-2025
Experiment Performed On: 27 - 01 - 2025
Report Submitted On: 3 - 01 - 2025
Experiment 4: Photo-elastic Experiment with a Transmitted Light Polariscope
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................3
2. Apparatus Details/Equipment specifications...................................................................................................3
3. Experiment......................................................................................................................................................4
3.1. Aim of the experiment............................................................................................................................4
3.2. Theory....................................................................................................................................................4
3.3. Observation............................................................................................................................................6
3.4. Observed Simulation..............................................................................................................................7
3.5. Properties of the given Material.............................................................................................................9
3.6. About Software Used: Abaqus Software Student Edition.......................................................................9
3.7. Comparison of results with theory & simulations...................................................................................9
4. Conclusions & Discussions.............................................................................................................................10
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Experiment 4: Photo-elastic Experiment with a Transmitted Light Polariscope
1. Introduction
The photo-elastic experiment with a transmitted light polariscope is a fascinating method used to
visualize and analyze stress distribution in transparent materials. By passing polarized light through a
material under load, colorful fringe patterns, known as isochromatic fringes, are formed, representing
regions of equal stress. This technique is particularly valuable in engineering and material science, as it
provides a clear, visual way to understand how forces affect different parts of a structure. The
transmitted light polariscope setup typically includes polarizing filters, a light source, and the material
specimen, making it an effective and non-destructive method for stress analysis.
2. Apparatus Details/Equipment specifications
The Apparatus required for this experiment is as follows -
Sodium Lamp (Monochromatic Light of 589nm)
Polarizer
Quarter Wave Filter
Model
Analyzer
Ring Dynamo meter
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Experiment 4: Photo-elastic Experiment with a Transmitted Light Polariscope
3. Experiment
3.1. Aim of the experiment
The aim of this experiment is to investigate the photo-elastic effect and utilize
it to analyze the stress and strain distribution in a photo-elastic material
under different loading conditions.
3.2.Theory
Balancing Photo-elastic materials exhibit a unique property called birefringence, where
their optical characteristics change when subjected to mechanical stress. This
phenomenon causes the material to split incident light into two distinct rays with varying
velocities due to differences in refractive indices. Under stress, the material becomes
optically denser, increasing its optical activity, which further bends light. The difference
in optical paths results in colourful fringe patterns, observable when the material is
viewed under polarized light.
Birefringence
Birefringence occurs when light passes through a stressed material, splitting into two
rays traveling at different velocities due to variations in the refractive index. This velocity
difference generates path differences, producing fringe patterns that appear as vibrant
colours under polarized light. While most transparent solids are optically isotropic (with
uniform refractive indices in all directions), birefringent behaviour emerges in stressed
photo-elastic materials.
Principal Stress and Strain
Principal stress represents the maximum and minimum normal stresses at a point in a
material under load, acting along specific planes where shear stress is zero. Similarly,
principal strain refers to the maximum and minimum normal strains along planes where
there is no shear strain.
Mohr's Circle
Mohr's Circle is a graphical tool used for stress and strain analysis. It visualizes normal
and shear stresses on various planes, aiding in the determination of principal stresses,
maximum shear stresses, and their orientations, thus simplifying complex stress analysis
in materials.
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Experiment 4: Photo-elastic Experiment with a Transmitted Light Polariscope
Brewster's Law and Photo-Elastic Equation
Brewster’s law states that the refractive index in stressed or strained bodies is a function
of principal stresses or strains. Given that the velocity of light depends on the refractive
index, and the refractive index is related to principal stresses, the relationship can be
expressed as:
Combining this with the thickness of the material and other optical properties, the main
photo-elasticity equation becomes:
Where:
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Experiment 4: Photo-elastic Experiment with a Transmitted Light Polariscope
Isochromatic and Isoclinic Fringes
Isochromatic fringes represent regions with constant differences in principal stresses,
appearing as colourful patterns due to stress-induced birefringence. On the other hand,
isoclinic fringes correspond to regions where the directions of principal stresses are
aligned at the same angle relative to a reference axis. These fringes provide information
about stress orientation but not magnitude.
Isoclinic Fringes
Isochromatic Fringes
This comprehensive understanding of photo-elastic materials and fringe patterns enables
engineers and researchers to visually analyse stress distribution in structures, making it
a valuable tool in material science and mechanical design.
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Experiment 4: Photo-elastic Experiment with a Transmitted Light Polariscope
3.3. Observation
LOAD : 50N
LOAD:150N
LOAD:200N
3.4.Observed Simulation
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Experiment 4: Photo-elastic Experiment with a Transmitted Light Polariscope
LOAD : 50N
LOAD: 100N
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Experiment 4: Photo-elastic Experiment with a Transmitted Light Polariscope
LOAD 150N
LOAD : 200N
3.5. Properties of the given Material
Poisson’s Ratio – 0.38
Young’s Modulus – 2.4 GPa
3.6. About Software Used: Abaqus Software Student Edition
Abaqus is a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) software suite used for simulating engineering
problems, including structural, thermal, and fluid dynamics scenarios. It is particularly effective for
nonlinear and Multiphysics applications across various industries.
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Experiment 4: Photo-elastic Experiment with a Transmitted Light Polariscope
To begin the simulation, we first created a 3D model of the workpiece in SolidWorks. The model was
then imported into Abaqus, where we defined material properties such as density and Poisson's ratio.
After setting up the material properties, we generated a mesh to improve simulation accuracy and
efficiency.
Next, boundary conditions were applied to the model to ensure realistic constraints before loading.
Finally, we conducted simulations by applying incremental loads of 0 N, 50 N, 100 N, 150 N, and 200
N, analyzing the resulting stress and deformation in the material.
3.7. Comparison of results with theory & simulations
The graphs above clearly illustrate that our experimental results align closely with theoretical expectations. We
can see some deflection from theoretical expectation which is due to defect in the actual model and also
limitation in the student edition of abacus software where we can only create limited number of nodes.
4. Conclusions & Discussions
The simulation was validated by comparing isochromatic lines from both the real and Abaqus-simulated models,
demonstrating a strong correlation that confirms its accuracy. SolidWorks played a critical role in designing the
workpiece with precise dimensions and material properties, showcasing its effective integration for design
alongside Abaqus for stress analysis.
The photo elastic effect is extensively utilized across various industries for stress analysis and material testing:
Aerospace: Used to analyse stress distribution in aircraft components, ensuring safety and performance
under load.
Automotive: Applied in testing car body parts, suspension systems, and structural components to
detect stress concentrations and optimize designs.
Mechanical Engineering: Employed to test mechanical components such as gears, shafts, and frames,
assessing stress distribution and fatigue life.
Polymer and Material Science: Utilized to characterize the mechanical properties of polymers and
composite materials by observing their deformation under stress.
Defense and Military: Applied to test the structural integrity of military equipment, tanks, and other
defense-related components.
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