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 2011

Notes from SEM Thermal Methods TD meeting 8 June 2010, Indianapolis IN, held in Grand Hall Alcove S.E., 12:10-1:30pm.

Items discussed:

1. Change of name of the division

A general discussion on the scope and activities of the division resulted in a suggested name change to 'Infrared Imaging and Thermomechanics'.

2. Adoption of bylaws

A proposed copy of new bylaws for the division was circulated by Richard Greene, the document being based closely on the bylaws of the Composites Technical Division of SEM. After discussion of the terms of office of the four officers, it was agreed to reduce the term of Secretary from two years to one, and maintain the other posts at a duration of two years. Rachel Tomlinson proposed that the amended bylaws be adopted by the TD, which was agreed by the meeting. Fabrice Pierron noted that the bylaws would have to be approved by SEM and that, if possible, it would be good to have them available for the Executive Board Meeting on Thursday 10 June 2010 1pm. Richard Greene provided an amended copy of the bylaws by email to Janice Dulieu-Barton, Dave Backman and Rachel Tomlinson on 8 June 2010.

3. Election of officers

The following officers were elected unopposed:

Chair                 Prof. Janice Dulieu-Barton

Vice-Chair         Dave Backman

Secretary          Dr Rachel Tomlinson

Richard Greene will serve as Past-Chair.

4. Proposed thermal methods track at SEM conference 2011

Richard Greene informed the meeting that there is a proposal to run a thermal methods track at the next SEM conference, and that a track typically contains a minimum of two days of sessions (roughly 30-36 papers, depending on scheduling). Fabrice Pierron strongly supported the proposal and highlighted the opportunity the track would give to the newly structured division to highlight work in the area and bring in new presentations and activity. The meeting agreed that this was an excellent opportunity and that we should go ahead with the proposed track. Janice Dulieu-Barton and Richard Greene will convey this to the Technical Activities Council on 9 June 2010 3:10pm. Janice has arranged a conference call (JMB/DB/RAT/FP) to begin planning the track.

Infra-red Imaging and Thermomechanics track at SEM 2011

The track marks the launch of the Thermomechanics and Infra-Red Imaging Division. There are 23 papers in the track including three keynote presentations 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 take 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. In the final two slots of the track there will be a wrap up and future research directions panel discussion session.

The objective is 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. It is also envisaged that papers utilizing other imaging techniques in conjunction with infra-red approaches will be a key part of the track program enabling cross-fertilization over disciplines and applications.