Fiber Cross-Sectional Shape Analysis Using Image Processing Techniques

. Quantitative characterization of fiber cross sections has attracted considerable in terlst, since cross-sectional size and shape have an important impact on the physical and mechanical properties of fibers, as well as the performance of end-use products. We present one application of automated measurement using image processing tech niques that extract basic shape features from fiber cross sections. Cross-sectional shapes are characterized with the aid of geometric and Fourier descriptors. Geometric de scriptors measure attributes such as area, roundness, and ellipticity. Fourier descriptors are derived from the Fourier series for the cumulative angular function of the cross- sectional boundary and are used to characterize shape complexity and other geometric attributes. Shape reconstruction based on Fourier coefficients is also discussed. We present the results of shape analysis for a wide variety of fiber types.