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151-0540-00L 4 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-MATL
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Experimental Mechanics

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Pietro Carrara
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:39:05

Abstract

The course provides an introduction to experimental mechanics and covers basic and advanced solid mechanics experimental testing methods. The basic working principles of analogic transducers, testing machines and of optical and X-ray tomographic imaging techniques are illustrated along with an overview of the essential image processing and analysis approaches. ccc

Objective

Understanding the basic principles of experimental methods in solid mechanics and acquiring the ability to properly design, execute and analyze experimental tests targeted to investigate a mechanical process.

Content

1. Introduction: testing machines; analogic and digital signals; force, displacement and strain transducers; test control. 2. Analogic transducers: working principles; load cells; LVDTs; strain gauges. 3. Solid mechanics tests: compression, tensile and bending tests; fracture mechanics tests. 4. Optical methods: 2D and 3D digital image correlation, basic principles and applications. 5. 3D X-ray computed tomography (CT): basic principles; CT scanning; image reconstruction and artifacts correction; segmentation, filtering and analysis. 6. Overview of advanced topics: 4D X-ray CT; in-situ testing; digital volume correlation; laser speckle interferometry; dynamic testing and high-speed cameras.

Resources

Lecture Notes

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General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
One double-sided hand-written (pen-on-paper) page of notes/formulae and a calculator are allowed. No further material is allowed.
The written final exam covers all contents of this course, including lectures and exercises. It counts 50% towards the final grade. In addition to the final written examination, there is one compulsory continuous performance assessment consisting of experimental projects and related reports along with homework assignments. Each of them must be evaluated positively. The projects and homeworks count 50% toward the final grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Experimental Mechanics
  • Tue 08:15-10:00 (HG D 3.2)
2 h weekly
exercise Experimental Mechanics
  • Tue 10:15-11:00 (HG D 3.2)
1 h weekly

Offered In