Image Pattern Correlation Technique (IPCT)

Displacement measurement methods based on optical image recording and its digital correlation entered their industrial application phase thanks to the constant computer development. Nowadays, in laboratory conditions especially, they supplant such techniques as moire method, photo-stress method and electric strain gages in certain examples. Nonetheless, application in the field conditions, such as inflight tests, is still restricted by the operational and accuracy demands. The AIM and AIM2 consortia have developed one of the methods based on photogrammetry combined with digital image correlation, which was originally invented in DLR and named IPCT, for wing deformation measurements. The aim in this field was to develop IPCT to the TRL9 for the in-flight test application by industry which was demonstrated by several reference missions.