Digital image and volume correlation for deformation and damage characterisation of fibre-reinforced composites: A review

Digital image and volume correlation (DIC and DVC) are increasingly being used to measure the deformation and damage behaviour of composite materials. The heterogeneous nature of the composite microstructure results in complex local behaviour, which cannot be captured using traditional experimental characterisation techniques. DIC and DVC offer significant advantages in monitoring this behaviour for fibre-reinforced composite materials. However, as acceptance of these techniques is growing, careful consideration of testing setup and approach is nevertheless crucial for achieving accurate results. This paper reviews digital image and volume correlation methods for the characterisation of composite materials and reports current research applications. The review discusses essential considerations and provides recommendations to aid researchers in achieving quality deformation measurement and damage identification in composites. Finally, an outlook on possible future applications is presented as a motivator for further studies.