Single-camera 3D-DIC system based on a fiber bundle

Abstract The three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC) method featuring two synchronized cameras has been widely used in the field of experimental mechanics to measure full-field 3D shape and deformation. However, the requirement of two synchronized cameras often limits the application of the regular 3D-DIC method. This study proposes a single-camera 3D-DIC system based on a fiber bundle (FB), aiming to make full use of the flexibility of the FB and further broaden the range of application of the 3D-DIC method. The multi-channel FB enables the proposed method to photograph the test object from two different angles with a single camera. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, a three-point bending deformation measurement experiment and a cylinder 3D reconstruction experiment were carried out. For comparison, the regular 3D-DIC system was used to measure the same specimens. Factors affecting the accuracy of the proposed method were analyzed and the corresponding optimization methods were given. As the proposed method can isolate the imaging sensor from harsh environment, it demonstrates significant potential in determining 3D deformation in intense electromagnetic interference environment and under water.