Full-field transient 3D deformation measurement of 3D braided composite panels during ballistic impact using single-camera high-speed stereo-digital image correlation

Applications of an easy-to-implement, compact but practical single-camera high-speed (SCHS) stereo-digital image correlation (DIC) technique for full-field transient 3D deformation measurement during ballistic impact are investigated. The established SCHS stereo-DIC system relies on a four-mirror adapter to convert a single high-speed camera into two virtual high-speed cameras, which view a specimen from different angles and record the surface images of the test object onto two halves of the camera sensor. The system configuration, measurement principles and experimental procedures of the proposed SCHS stereo-DIC technique for full-field transient 3D deformation measurement are described first. Then, the effectiveness and accuracy of the established system were verified by measuring the static deformation of a stationary carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) panel and transient deformation of an aluminum panel under the impact of a cylindrical foam projectile. Finally, full-field in-plane and out-of-plane deformations of the CFRP panel under rigid steel sphere impact were determined using this system, which shed light on the deformation behavior and failure mechanism of the CFRP panel under transient ballistic impact. The results confirm that the SCHS stereo-DIC is a cost-effective and practical technique for full-field transient 3D deformation measurement.