PHOTOELASTIC METHOD OF 3-DIMENSIONAL STRESS DETERMINATION AROUND AXISYMMETRICAL INCLUSIONS

Using Aben's approach to three-dimensional photoelasticity, a method f or the determination of tile stress tensor in a transparent matrix aro und an isolated axisymmetric inclusion is detailed. The method is usef ul for studies on a microscopic scale, the inclusion preferably above 10 to 20 mu m in diameter, especially when the total retardation is be low lie first fringe order of isochrom. The polarization and phase dat a for normal and oblique light beams are necessary for full determinat ion of the su-css tensor, including the information on pressure, The a nalysis is nondestructive of tile composite material studied.