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High-Performance Materials Institute, Young Scholars Program, FSU
Overall Project Objective
Develop semi-automated Python applications for adhesion and impact testing that adhere to ASTM standards, enabling more efficient quality control of high-performance materials.
The project also aimed to provide an introduction to research and the scientific method during the summer between 11th and 12th grade, working under the guidance of faculty Dr. Tarik Dickens.
ASTM Rating Chart for Adhesion Tester
Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope and Laptop Computer during Adhesion Test
Adhesion Goal
Develop an efficient and automated method for analyzing adhesion strength in materials, specifically evaluating how well ink adheres to substrates. This process aims to improve data collection accuracy, reduce manual analysis time, and provide reliable results that align with ASTM standards.
Impact Tester Goal
Design a Python-based application that automates the analysis of drop-weight impact tests, improving precision in measuring material responses under dynamic loading conditions.
Hotpress Machine Used to Sinter Samples of KA802 or CB028 Ink
Impact of Work
This research enhances the development of specialized materials by improving the accuracy and consistency of durability and adhesive strength testing. By streamlining data collection, our work contributes to the development of stronger, safer materials. The resulting tools support innovations in high-stakes industries such as aerospace and manufacturing, where material performance is critical for safety and reliability.
Impact Tester
My Role
I collaborated with a partner to program and validate two Python applications for testing adhesion and impact strength. I led the technical development of the impact tester application, implementing algorithms for motion tracking, force calculations, and visualizations. I also created a user-friendly GUI for inputting parameters and processing results. Likewise, I contributed to the core functionality of the adhesion classification algorithm.
My Contribution
Impact Tester
I programmed the system to analyze live-streamed or pre-recorded video data using OpenCV. By converting video frames into a series of images, I tracked the motion of a falling object by isolating its green RGB range and outlining its trajectory. I calculated the velocity, acceleration, force, and energy magnitudes using formulas from the impact tester’s manual and plotted the results using Matplotlib. To enhance usability, I designed a PyQt graphical user interface (GUI) that allowed users to input the video feed, initial drop height, and mass of the weight. This interface streamlined the analysis process, making it accessible for ongoing research at the institute.
Formula for Impact Force during an Impact Test used in Python Program
GUI Input
GUI Output
Video Collection
Adhesion Tester
I coded a system to assess tape strength by analyzing pre- and post-test images. Using binary image conversion, I calculated the ratio of black pixels (representing removed material) to white pixels (remaining material). The program then computed the percentage of material removed and assigned a strength rating from 0 to 5, following ASTM standards. Additionally, I implemented functionality to ensure accurate processing of high-resolution images, facilitating reliable comparisons between sintered and unsintered materials.
Image Collection
Analysis Results
GUI Input / Output
Documentation
I also documented the project by creating a research poster and abstract for the impact testing program and collaborated with my partner on presentations and reports summarizing our results. Larger versions of the posters are available at the bottom of this page.
Impact Tester
Adhesion
Challenges & Solutions
Limited Prior Experience
Challenge: Limited prior knowledge of computer vision, GUI programming, and ASTM standards.
Solution: I independently researched Python libraries such as OpenCV, Numpy, and Matplotlib, studying tutorials and guides to understand their applications. Collaborating with my partner, we divided tasks into manageable components to reduce complexity. Consultations with Dr. Dickens and our graduate mentors provided additional troubleshooting guidance and improved our understanding of real-world testing requirements.
OpenCV
Tape Procedural Diagram
Debugging Programs
Challenge: Debugging inconsistent results during image and video analysis.
Solution: We refined the RGB detection parameters to better account for variable lighting conditions and improved the pixel-counting algorithm in the adhesion program to handle high-resolution images. Testing multiple datasets helped us identify edge cases and adjust the programs for greater robustness and accuracy. In future iterations, adding automatic cropping and normalization tools would address image issues, and transitioning from color-based tracking to shape or motion-based detection would improve video flexibility.
Adhesion Samples
Using better ink vs background differentiation, pixel counting was significantly improved, making tests much more accurate.
Impact Sample
Algorithm detection and masking of a specific object of interest allowed for accurate tracking over time.
Results
Delivered two functional Python applications for adhesion and impact testing, validated against ASTM standards.
Produced high-quality research posters and abstracts for presentation.
Presented the work at the Young Scholars Program research symposium, gaining valuable experience in scientific communication.
Developed technical expertise in programming, engineering visualization, and experimental research methodologies.
Shaping Future Experience
This experience solidified my passion for engineering and interdisciplinary research. It inspired me to pursue undergraduate research into robotics, programming, and materials science and shaped my aspirations for graduate research in emerging technologies. By contributing to meaningful projects, I discovered the satisfaction of creating practical tools that advance scientific understanding and real-world applications.
Full Impact Tester Poster
Full Adhesion Poster
Full Research Proposal
Kanodia_Winer_ResearchProposal.docxTechnical Presentation Overview
YSP Presentation.pptxGoogle Sites
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