SUN-DIC: A Python-based open-source software tool for Digital Image Correlation

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a powerful non-contact optical technique used to measure displacement and strain fields. While commercial tools exist, their high cost and lack of flexibility can hinder innovation and accessibility. This paper introduces SUN-DIC, a Python-based open-source DIC tool designed for extensibility, clarity, and ease of use. We outline the theoretical foundations and describe the software architecture. SUN-DIC’s utility is demonstrated through selected examples and the code is successfully benchmarked against the DIC Challenge 2.0 for 2D analyses. • SUN-DIC is a Python-based, open-source software tool for Digital Image Correlation (DIC). • Designed with an API-first philosophy, while also offering an easy-to-use graphical interface (GUI). • The software implements modern DIC algorithms and correlation criteria. • A robust and advanced starting strategy is employed, utilizing AKAZE feature detection. • Automatic handling of arbitrarily shaped Regions of Interest and parallel processing.