A compact system for accurate measurement of true stress-strain curves in transparent materials subject to extensive deformation

Accurate quantification of the true stress-strain curve over an extensive strain range is pivotal for elucidating material mechanical properties and simulating non-linear plastic deformation. A novel experimental approach was developed to directly measure true stress-strain behavior in transparent materials. Our setup featured a single 3CCD camera and mirrors, capturing images of both specimen surfaces with bicolored fluorescent speckle patterns. Initially, we determined and corrected the specimen's refractive index using a point-by-point least squares method. Subsequently, we used multispectral dual 3D digital image correlation (DIC) to reconstruct surface profiles and correct refractive distortions. This allowed precise computation of the deformed crosssectional area over an expansive strain range. True stress was calculated from the measured engineering stress and computed deformed area. Validity was confirmed by deforming a fluorescent elastomer, and results aligned with the theoretical predictions. This compact experimental setup effectively evaluates true stress-strain relationships in transparent materials under extensive deformation.