Inverse method for static problems using optical data

The purpose of this thesis is the development of an inverse method that is reliable and robust and that can reconstruct the complete stress analysis solution using experimental whole-field data. It is based on a sensitivity response representation due the unknown applied loading in conjunction with a general Finite Element Program. At the core, is the use of finite element generated sensitivity functions. As a consequence, structures and specimens as complex as is usually modelled with the finite element method can be handled conveniently. The incorporation of regularization terms provides a robust solution to these usually ill-conditioned problems. Optical techniques, digital signal processing techniques and digital image processing techniques play important roles in this research. Experimental examples using Moiré Interferometry, Photoelasticity, and direct measurements are demonstrated on both linear and nonlinear problems involving a variety of structural types