Quantikov92-97 
A microestrutural analyser
Ph.D. Thesis by
Lúcio Carlos Martins Pinto
Abstract

The Quantikov Microstructural Analyser includes modules for digital image processing (QtkIMPORT), geometric processing (Quantikov-MAIN), graphics (QtkGRAF) and hypertext (QtkAjuda). The first module implements functions for the acquisition, enhancement, transformation and segmentation of images. Quantikov-MAIN is the essence of the Quantikov system and implements unique features for the evaluation of microstructural geometric parameters. It combines the facilities of a modern digital image analyzer with stereometric quantification techniques. The main module implements the Saltykov method, which assumes that the grains and pores are spheres, the Jensen & Gundersen method (a.k.a dots sampling method), which makes no assumption about the elements shape, and the Xpert method for the evaluation of the mean intercept of grains with broken contours. The graphics module includes visualization tools, which allow statistical analysis to be easily performed. It automatically translates the geometric data obtained into graphics and tables, making further external processing unnecessary. In the hypertext module, the user not acquainted with the digital image processing techniques finds a description of each available operation. Following the philosophy of object oriented programming, a new concept was introduced during the development of Quantikov, the virtual microstructural element. By analogy to pixel and voxel, it was called granxel. Results used to qualify the system are reported. Moreover, the system has already been assessed by other researchers, who have been using it in several academic and industrial works during its development. The Quantikov system was implemented in the Windows™ environment, incorporating its well known tools and facilities.

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