New trends in optical methods for experimental mechanics. Part II: high sensitivity grating interferometry for in-plane displacement measurement

Recent developments in the high sensitivity grating interferometry for sub-micron in-plane displacement studies aiming at the automation of the data reduction process are presented. The implementation of phase methods of interferogram analysis using the polarized light approach together with the spatial carrier method are described. The versality, speed and accuracy of the methods and instrumentation developed are illustrated by the results of recent applications in plastic-elastic range of mechanics, fracture mechanics and studies of composite materials.