Sensitivity of the moiré technique for measuring biological surfaces

The ability to analyse without contact biological surface profiles and shapes, and to reproduce a range of irregularities, is often required. The moiré technique is an alternative to constructing profiles, topographical contours, and shape and deformation values. In this study, evaluations were made of the sensitivity of the moiré technique to analyse biological materials with distinct size and superficial irregularities. A digital map of a chicken, and a wood deformation profile, were determined using the same experimental set-up and apparatus. The results demonstrated the reliability of the moiré technique to determine the measurements required of both areas with a specific sensitivity, using a low-cost and a robust experimental design. The ability to create a map of a chicken, neglecting the noise caused by the feathers, and the ability to measure deformations of 0.4 mm in damaged pieces of wood, indicates the robustness and the sensitivity of the technique.