Analysis and segmentation of a three-dimensional X-ray computed tomography image of a textile composite

Microfocus X-ray computed tomography allows obtaining highly detailed three-dimensional images of inspected objects. Regarding textile composites, resolution of this technique is enough to distinguish individual fibres. For the purpose of modelling, the micro-CT image of a composite must be segmented in order to separate materials components. This paper presents results of application of structure tensor and first-order statistics to compose a feature vector and segment the image. Results show that, depending on the choice of the variables used in the segmentation, the image can be segmented into the matrix, yarns and voids (pores) domains, or into the domains of matrix and yarns of different primary orientation. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.status: publishe