photoelasticity

[ foh-toh-i-la-stis-i-tee, -ee-la-stis- ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the phenomenon of double refraction of polarized light by a transparent substance under elastic stress, used to measure strain in elastic, transparent materials.

photoelasticity

/ ˌfəʊtəʊɪlæˈstɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. the effects of stress, such as double refraction, on the optical properties of transparent materials

Other Words From

• pho·to·e·las·tic [foh-toh-i-, las, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of photoelasticity¹

First recorded in 1910–15; photo- + elasticity

Example Sentences

To get that 3D view, they use a combination of the photoelasticity to illuminate the force chains, along with a method called computed tomography, similar to that used in medical CT scans, to reconstruct a full 3D image from a series of 2,400 flat images taken as the object rotates through 360 degrees.

From Science Daily

Using a technique called integrated photoelasticity, they immerse the drop in a liquid and shine polarized light through it.

From Science Magazine