Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is (an innovative non-contact optical technique) rapidly

becoming a standard non-intrusive instrument for materials testing. It is a new compact system
for shape, deformation and strain analysis, suitable for large range of applications where
flexibility and portability is essential.
Features:
 High accuracy measurements of deformation and strain
 Equivalent to thousands of gauges on the specimen surface
 Exceptional strain range –from micro strains to 1000% strain
 Computer controlling image acquisition, processing and project management
Additional features :
DIC allows
 To validate the finite element solutions
 To cross check the measurements with other techniques
 To improve the understanding of physical mechanisms
Role of DIC in composite structures:
 Exceptional range of strain measurements through image processing
 Prediction of out-of-plane behavior in laminated composite structures
 Prediction of damage and failure of complex composite structures which involves non
linearities (geometric or\and material )
 Evolution of crack density in the composite structures

Objectives
First Phase:
 Obtaining the deformations and strains in Multifunctional composite structure (MFCS)
which involves non linearities
 Out-of-plane behavior of MFCS
 Relative study can be carried out to compare the experimental results (DIC) with
Numerical results (ANSYS workbench 17.2)
Second Phase:
 Prediction of crack initiation and evolution of crack in the structure
 Validation of DIC based crack results with Finite element solutions
 Relative study can be carried out for optimizing the design of MFCS based on the
effective parameters like layup sequence, epoxy concentration etc.
 Importance of the proposed project in the present context of research in the
proposed area of the project

Composite structures are rapidly becoming powerful designs for present and future
due to its extraordinary features like, lightweight and high strength etc. Addition of non-structural
functions (energy harvesting, self-healing, sensing and actuation and protective layer etc.) to the
composite structural functions (strength, stiffness stability etc.) leading to wide range of potential
applications and these structures are called as Multi-Functional composite structure (MFCS)
These additional features to the structure elaborate the complexity of the problem in terms of
design and analysis. In the last few years, the research activity in MFCS is remarkably increased
to address the complexity in design and analysis of MFCS along with the solutions.

The proposed project is to address the complexity in the problem along with
reliable and accurate solutions for the MFCS. This project mainly focus on the present problems
in design and analysis of MFCS for example, obtaining the deformations and strains, out-of-plane
behavior of MFCS, delamination behavior, crack initiation and crack evolution etc. However,
these problems are difficult to address in traditional methods like standard material testing using
universal testing machine etc. The proposed method is Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique,
it is a non-destructive optical technique for measuring displacement, strains and crack evolution.
The important reason for proposing this method because of its exceptional features like reliability
and accuracy, on the other hand it is cost effective and simple to use when compared to the other
techniques. Robust relative study can be carried out to compare the experimental results (DIC)
with Numerical results (ANSYS workbench 17.2) and for the optimization. The proposed project
provides reliable, fast and accurate solutions, which builds the confidence to tackle and analyze
different type of MFCS structures for the various potential applications.
Methodology:
The main impetus for the fabrication of laminated composite materials
comes from the aerospace industry due to its extraordinary material characteristics (high
strength and low weight etc.) which are ideally suited for the real world applications. (*why
only carbon fiber*) .
The manufacturing process of laminated carbon fiber reinforced (CFRP)
composites is carried out in two stages, in the initial stage fibers and matrix materials are
assembled in a such a way to make desired lamina, subsequently in the second stage
laminae are assembled together in the required or optimized sequence and cured to make
laminate, in this fashion laminated composite material is prepared processed. This
procedure requires a special type of fabrication so the proposed process is Filament
winding process (this is considerable if this facility is available in IISC), it is a desired
process in achieving the specific goals (stiffness, strength etc.) and more efficient process
for the fabrication of laminated CFRP composites. Introducing the multifunctional layer on
top of CFRP composite is the main challenging area and it is given prior importance to
make MFCS structure.