Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring changes in mechanical properties, mechanical responses, and or mechanical performances of orthodontic aligners are disclosed. The orthodontic aligners can include a plurality of speckles. The plurality of speckles are adapted for digital image correlation measurements. The methods involve acquiring digital images of the orthodontic aligner and performing digital image correlation on these images. From the digital image correlation, a change in one or more mechanical properties, mechanical responses, and/or mechanical performances in the orthodontic aligner are determined. The systems and methods can provide insight into mechanical properties of physiological structures, which can aid patient diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: A self-supporting panel is used to form building components, including roofs that have no independent supports for the panels between the ends of the panels. The panel system includes a base support or structural component having a top face sheet supported by longitudinally load carrying webs and a layer of insulation on the exterior of the face sheet. The insulation spans the entire face sheet to overlie connectors between the edges of adjacent panels when the panels are assembled to form a wall or roof, to eliminate thermal shorts.