LOW-COST AND READILY-AVAILABLE PHOTOELASTIC EXPERIMENT APPARATUS AND ITS APPLICATION IN EDUCATION MECHANICS EXPERIMENT EDUCATION

. Training of mechanical experiments is essential in science and engineering education, particularly in disciplines such as physics, aerospace, and mechanical engineering. Among these experiments, photoelasticity stands out for its ability to visually represent internal stress fields within materials and is therefore widely included in mechanics training programs at many institutions. However, traditional photoelasticity equipment is expensive, bulky, and heavy, limiting its practicality in diverse educational contexts. To address this, we present a cost-effective, portable, and user-friendly photoelastic apparatus designed specifically for educational use in mechanics experiments. Through a four-point bending test, we demonstrate the device’s instructional potential. While this apparatus supports only qualitative analysis, it effectively retains the ability to visualize stress fields within materials. By reducing costs and enhancing accessibility, it expands opportunities for classroom demonstrations, enriches course content, and promotes students’ intuitive understanding of mechanics