The use of Fourier Descriptors to recognize particle profile

Microscopic size wear debris transported through oil-lubricated systems provides important information about the condition of machinery, in particular the state of wear. Experts extract this information to monitor the operation of the machine to ensure safety, efficiency and economy of operation. This paper describes the analysis of microscopic particles generated by wear mechanisms by using Fourier series in terms of Fourier Descriptors and image processing techniques. The aim of the work is to develop an automated system to classify wear particles and thereby predict wear failure modes in machines. An interactive image analysis system is devised, which is used to process and store the quantitative information of particle profile. Further analysis on the stored data in the form of three Fourier Descriptors is described which extracts wear particle profile features and permits systematic profile analysis.