Recent trends in experimental analysis

According to the fast developments in the past and still at present in computer techniques in hardware and especially in software with new numerical methods, e.g. the finite-element methods, the question is discussed worldwide, whether methods of experimental stress analysis are still necessary or not. It is argued that new generations of computers are developed with increasing capacity and apparently unlimited possibilities, to be adapted to almost every mechanical and structural problem. But despite these discussions methods of experimental stress analysis are introduced and applied to a larger extent than at any time before in research institutes as well as in the industry. They become more and more important just because of the tremendous extension and involvement of computer analysis. Experimental stress analysis is not only used to determine material behaviour and to predict the stress and strain state in structures or in parts of structures. The results of mathematical analysis and the validity of assumptions and suppositions, which generally are necessary to enable mathematical analysis, are checked experimentally. Methods of experimental stress analysis are introduced into systems control, for permanent supervisory operating systems like ships, airplanes, pressure vessels, dams, bridges, tall buildings, reactor plants and other industrial plants etc. Methods of experimental stress analysis are involved in product assembly, manufacture inspection and quality control.