Photoelasticity is a viable experimental approach in mechanics and materials science that allows for the visual evaluation and analysis of stress distribution in transparent or translucent materials. This non-destructive testing technique visualizes stress on a model under load by taking advantage of a material feature known as birefringence or double refraction. The procedure entails creating a physical model that resembles real-world structures, applying mechanical stress to the model, and carefully selecting a suitable photo elastic material with birefringence. When the material is stressed, it exhibits birefringence, which alters its optical properties. As a result, different stress levels are mirrored in the pattern, making it easier to identify stress concentrations and potential failure points while also providing insights into how materials perform under different loading conditions. In this investigation, a photoelasticity unit was employed to assess both rectangular and trapezoidal specimens under four distinct loads. The experimental analysis results were then compared to those obtained from the ANSYS simulation tool (Finite Element Analysis). Because of its user-friendly interface, the software serves as a virtual laboratory, allowing simulations with user-defined problem parameters adapted to the user’s specific conditions. As per the observations graphs in rectangular specimens are linear in character, with sharp edges, but graph lines in trapezoidal specimen form curves, with no sharp edges visible.