The goal of the project was to develop a non-invasive optical system for measurement of materials and elements of mechanical structures. OTEST may be used to carry out measurements concerning the materials, with the use of an environmental chamber, which shall translate into an ability to carry out the tests in high and low temperatures.

There is a great demand to create innovative, non-invasive methods that could be used to measure deformations, required by the expectations to diminish the weight of the structures, with simultaneous provision of proper strength of the materials used. We hope that the OTEST system can be successfully used in numerous areas of the industry, including the aerospace, aviation and automotive sectors.

The system is going to consist of two modules for optical measurements: a module for digital image correlation and a module for grating interferometry, along with a dedicated software suite. OTEST shall make it possible to utilize individual modules, depending on the client’s requirements.

The digital image correlation takes place through capturing and analysis of a burst of photographs depicting the material before and after it is exposed to stress. The method allows for detection of changes on the surface of the examined materials, with the use of white light. The above methodology remains very universal, no laboratory conditions are required. The system allows for execution of measurements of objects that are very large, at any time interval.

Grating interferometry is a method which is much more complex, requiring sterile, laboratory conditions, however when applied, the results are much more accurate. Contrary to the digital correlation of image, the grating interferometry methodology makes use of a laser beam that needs to hit the examined objects at an accurately defined angle.

Astri Polska is not the only entity that works on the OTEST system, as the programme also involves the Faculty of Mechatronics of the Warsaw University of Technology and the Institute of Aviation.