Method detects, predicts structural strain

MADISON, Wis., March 24 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have created a software program that can predict stress fractures that occur in statues that have been in place for hundreds of years.

Vadim Shapiro of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Igor Tsukanov of Florida International University applied their technology to Michelangelo's David in an analysis that they said proved simpler, faster and more accurate than previous methods.

In applying the technique to other objects -- including human bones -- the researchers said they are also gaining new perspective on how such structures are likely to fail.

The program, called "Scan and Solve," takes 3-D sampled or scanned data of an object and calculates where points of weakness occur and how those points will be affected by forces acting on them, such as gravity in the case of David or activity in the case of a human bone.

"This research is likely to result in a breakthrough technology for performing direct engineering analysis on physical artifacts in situ," said Shapiro.

The researchers presented their technique last week in Honolulu during the International Conference on Computational and Experimental Engineering and Sciences.