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Experimental Mechanics
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:07
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.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Experimental Mechanics |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Experimental Mechanics |
|
1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Robotics, Systems and Control (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Robert Katzschmann)
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Micro- and Nanosystems Technology (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Romain Quidant)
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Engineering for Health (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Bradley Nelson)
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Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Dennis Kochmann To achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing, all of the courses listed can be selected. If required, one course from another focus specialization or from the electives of the ME Bachelor program can be selected. For recommended courses and further information, please visit the MAVT website for Focus Specialization ( ).)
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Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
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Biomedical Engineering Master (Only courses offered under "GESS Science in Perspective" count in this category. See "Offered in" tab in course view. For more information, please refer to )
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Biomechanics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Doctorate Mechanical and Process Engineering (More Information at: )
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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