Investigation of the use of optics in the analysis of structures

This study was made to determine the feasibility of the use of optics in the analysis of structures. Since the curvature of a beam due to a loading condition is a function of the moment, a measure of this curvature is a measurement of the moment. This study used the relationship between object size and image size formed by a concave or convex reflective surface to determine the radius of curvature and the moment at the point. Overhanging simply supported beams of plexiglass with concentrated loads at various positions were used to demonstrate the developed optical theory. Optical measurements were taken on the beams and the data plotted to obtain moment diagrams and inflection points which were compared with the results obtained by the use of statics. The comparisons were within tolerable limits and showed that the optical method is feasible --Abstract, page ii