The Shadow Optical Method of Caustics

Abstract

The shadow optical method of caustics is a relatively new experimental technique in stress strain analysis. It was originally introduced by Manogg (1964) for investigating crack tip stress intensifications. The method is sensitive to stress gradients and therefore is an appropriate tool for quantifying stress concentration problems. The technique was extended later by Theocaris (1971–1981), Rosakis (1982, 1983) and the author and his colleagues (1976–1986) to different conditions of loading, material behavior, in static as well as dynamic situations. This summarizing article reviews the basic physical principles and the mathematical analyses of the method and gives applications to various problems of practical relevance.