Meaning
Non-contact measurement methods use cameras to track deformation and strain across a component’s surface during structural testing. Aerospace supply agreements often specify optical digital image correlation as the preferred method for validating the structural performance of composite wings. This technology provides a high-resolution map of material behavior.
Testing Standard
Purchasing contracts define the calibration requirements and camera resolution necessary for valid test results. The testing laboratory must provide raw pixel data alongside the processed displacement plots to the quality assurance team. This step ensures that the calculations can be independently verified.
Acceptance Criterion
Component acceptance is tied to passing these structural tests without showing localized strain concentrations that exceed the design limits. If optical digital image correlation reveals a manufacturing defect, the supplier must absorb the cost of re-engineering the part. This requirement prevents defective parts from entering the assembly line.
Liability Defense
Test data generated by these optical systems can be used as legal evidence to resolve disputes over component failure. If a component fails in service, the manufacturer can use the initial test records to prove that the part met all structural specifications before shipment. This documentation helps defend against product liability claims and demonstrates that the failure was likely due to operational conditions that exceeded the agreed design envelope.
