Development of Cylindrically Orthotropic Model Material for Transmission Photoelasticity

Abstract

In the present work, a cylindrically orthotropic model material for transmission photoelasticity has been developed. Many investigators have reported some unusual optical and photoelastic properties in the rectilinearly orthotropic model materials developed by them which are not observed in an isotropic photoelastic model material. The model material developed in the present investigation has also been found to possess similar properties. These unusual properties seem to be due to a slight mismatch of the refractive indices of its constituents. It is interesting to note that the above-mentioned cause also affects its photoelastic response. Simple experiments have been devised for detecting the above-mentioned defects. Further, a criterion has been developed for quantifying these effects which may be used for rating the relative qualities of available model materials.