抄録
This study discusses whether finite-element analysis (FEA) is effective for extracting zero points instead of the photoelastic experiment which is generally used. The zero points obtained in several models by FEA are compared with those obtained by a computer-assisted photoelastic experiment. It is difficult to obtain the zero-order isochromatics corresponding to the zero points by FEA. The zero-order isochromatics are therefore determined as follows. First, the lowest isochromatic which is as near as possible to the zero-order one is found. Second, to confirm the existence of the zero-order isochromatic in the zone surrounded by the lowest one, it is compared with the zero-order one obtained by the experiment. If the lowest isochromatic is superimposed on the experimental zero-order one, the center of the zone is judged to correspond to the zeroorder one. Finally, the center corresponding to the zero point is determined by the naked eye. Consequently, FEA in combination with the photoelastic experiment is found to be more convenient for extracting the zero points than the experiment alone.
