Fibre-orientation measurements in short-glass-fibre composites. Part I: automated, high-angular-resolution measurement by confocal microscopy

In this first paper. the confocal technique for fibre-orientation distribut ion measurement is described and the associated errors discussed in detail. With this technique. fibres are followed for short distances into the bulk of the sample enabling a complete description of the fibre-orientation dis tribution tensor. Novel image processing and management routines have been implemented in order fully to automate the data acquisition, and consequent ly significant sample areas (several square mm) can be analysed within hour s. In a follow-up paper the fibre-orientation measurements from the confoca l technique will be used to evaluate independently the errors in the standa rd 2D image analysis technique of fibre-orientation measurement. (C) 2001 P ublished by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.