Full field strain measurements in sheet metal forming processes at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences

Read how the EduDIC is used by Esslingen University of Applied Sciences to investigate sheet metal forming processes in corporation with Mercedes-Benz AG and Autoform.

In 2021, the Laboratory for Forming Technology and Laser Material Processing (UTL) of the Faculty of Machinery and Systems at the Esslingen University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Esslingen) in Germany, acquired a Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system from Limess Messtechnik & Software GmbH, a distributor of Dantec Dynamics. The EduDIC system is being used for optical measurements of multi-axial strain for applications in the field of metal forming, as part of a development project in a corporation with Mercedes-Benz AG and a software simulation company, AutoForm. The system is also being used for the tuition of engineering students and further research in materials testing.

Students at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences - Full field strain measurements
Students at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Esslingen) measure the forming limits of modern sheet metal materials under multiaxial loading at the UTL. Photo: Courtesy of Esslingen University

The advantage of using EduDIC is that it is the only technique that can be used for the measurement of full-field strain. When performing sheet metal forming tests it is very important to record the failure point of sheet metal materials under multiaxial strain. In the case of complex-shaped sheet metal parts, there is a different strain condition at every point, which cannot be represented by performing classic tensile testing. In addition, the measurement cannot be performed using mechanical extensometers either. As such, DIC is an ideal measurement technique that spatially resolves strain and provides clear measurement data.

Use of optical strain measurement technology on the tensile testing machine in the LWF.
Use of optical strain measurement technology on the tensile testing machine in the LWF. Shown on the left is the portable measurement setup with a camera holder and lighting equipment. A measurement example is shown on the right, it is a strain measurement of a tensile specimen (round) in the linear-elastic range. Photo: Courtesy of Esslingen University

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Read the University’s article in German