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Motion Tracking of Windshield Wiper
Capturing motion of automotive components using 3D DIC
3D Digital Image Correlation (3D DIC) is a powerful optical method that can be applied in many ways, including precise motion tracking. With 3D DIC, engineers can measure position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration in full field, providing deeper insight into how materials and components behave under load.
Mercury RT leverages advanced algorithms that combine Point Tracking with 3D DIC, enabling motion tracking of even complex geometries in real-world conditions. By reconstructing 3D area – FullField, 3D DIC makes it possible to capture and analyze displacement, velocity, and acceleration across all three axes. The tracking is performed by correlating markers or image subsets frame by frame, ensuring highly accurate and reliable results.
Objective
The aim of this study was to track the motion of a windshield wiper in a harsh environmental condition – the lighting was provided only by natural light during a cloudy but sunny weather – the lighting conditions changed over the course of the measurement.
Description of the Case Study
The analyzed specimen was a 170 mm long windshield wiper component, mounted on the rear window with complex 3D geometry. To capture out-of-plane motion, a 3D DIC setup was required. Two synchronized iDS UI-3180-CP-M-GL cameras were used, running at a reduced resolution of 2000 × 972 px and a frame rate of 180 fps, positioned at a stereo angle of 25° to accurately capture out-of-plane motion.
❖ Point Tracking
Two cross-mark stickers (T1 and T2) were tracked using two point probes, capturing displacement across all three axes (X, Y, Z).
See video example of the windshield wiper motion.
❖ Overall Displacement
The motion of the wiper was tracked across three full cycles.
❖ Axis-Specific Motion
Displacements in individual axes were analyzed for both tracked points.
❖ Full-Field Tracking
Beyond points, full-field displacement maps were reconstructed, showing the complete deformation and trajectory of the wiper during motion.
See video below
First, overall displacement was analysed:
Then, displacement in individual axes (x, y, z) was displayed:
Key Advantages of using 3D DIC in Motion Tracking
❖ Full-field or point analysis – from detailed distribution maps to precise point tracking.
❖ Non-contact measurement – no bonding, no interference with the specimen.
❖ Real-time monitoring – track motions live as they occur.
❖ Post-processing capabilities – reanalyze recorded footage for deeper insights.
❖ High-speed motion capture – integrate high-speed cameras for rapid or complex motions.
Typical Applications of Motion Tracking
❖ Studying relative movement between mechanical parts.
❖ Analyzing the trajectory of moving components.
❖ Generating full-field displacement maps of structures or assemblies.
Conclusion
The motion tracking of the windshield wiper using 3D DIC showed that both point probes and full-field measurements produced consistent and reliable results. This underlines the importance of 3D DIC in motion tracking, providing engineers with accurate insights into displacement, velocity, and acceleration across complex geometries.
This study highlights how MercuryRT’s 3D DIC provide powerful insights into the motion measurement of the windshield wiper. The non-contact, high-resolution measurement approach makes it ideal for analyzing parts under operational conditions.
For more information about 3D DIC, please Contact us through email info@mercury-dic.com.
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