STRAIN3D: A New Computer Program for Graphical and Statistical 3D Strain Analyses

STRAIN3D is a new computer program designed to facilitate the analysis of deformed clastic sedimentary rocks. STRAIN3D utilizes linear algebra to calculate the three-dimensional magnitude and direction of deformation in a rock sample from three sets of two-dimensional strain measurements. STRAIN3D expands upon a previous version, STRAIN (Paterson, personal communication, 2003), by integrating new statistical capabilities and an enhanced user interface. Useful tools for statistical analyses of strain include statistical bootstrap averaging and matrixbased averaging. The STRAIN3D user interface is dynamic and utilizes pop-up meims and directional prompts to guide users through the various operations. To facilitate processing oflarge data sets, STRAIN3D is capable of importing data in tab or comma delimited, TXT and CSV file formats. STRAIN3D is capable of exporting graphs and plots as vector-based image files that are easily imported into computer drafting applications such as ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR. STRAIN3D is written in the PYTHON programming language, making it compatible with the WINDOWS, MACINTOSH, and UNIX operating systems. Three-dimensional strain analyses are time-intensive processes that involve a series of detailed grain-scale measurements and complex mathematical operations. The time needed to complete three-dimensional analyses becomes significant in regional-scale strain studies, which commonly involve dozens to hundreds of samples. By automating complex and time-consuming operations, . computer applications such as STRAIN3D, can both streamline strain analyses and reduce the potential for error. While many excellent strain analyses computer programs exist, many were created using out of date programming languages, rely upon text-based user interfaces, and are not compatible with current operating systems. In addition to providing a set of robust analysis tools, STRAIN3D follows the current computer industry trend of coupling increased crossplatform compatibly with simplified, window based, user interfaces that are simple to learn and utilize