STRAIN3D: A NEW COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR GRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL 3D STRAIN ANALYSES

STRAIN3D is a new computer program designed to facilitate three-dimensional strain analysis that is built around mathematical models for compiling three dimensional strain ellipsoids from three, mutually perpendicular strain ellipses. STRAIN3D expands upon a previous version, STRAIN (Paterson, personal communication, 2003), integrates new statistical analysis and graphical output capabilities, features an enhanced user interface, and is written in a programming language that is compatible with common computer platforms. The program features several useful tools for statistical analyses of ellipses and ellipsoids, including bootstrap analysis and matrix-based averaging. STRAIN3D is capable of exporting graphs and plots as vector-based image files that are easily imported into computer drafting applications such as ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR, ACD CANVAS, and COREL DRAW. The STRAIN3D user interface is dynamic and uses pop-up menus and directional prompts to guide users through the various operations. To facilitate processing of large data sets, STRAIN3D is capable of importing data in tab or comma delimited, TXT and CSV file formats. Compiled using the PYTHON programming language, STRAIN3D is compatible with the WINDOWS, MACINTOSH, and UNIX platforms.

Three-dimensional strain analyses are time intensive processes that involve a series of detailed grain-scale strain measurements and complex mathematical operations. The time needed to complete three-dimensional analyses becomes significant in regional-scale strain studies, which commonly involve dozens to hundreds of samples. By automating complex and time-consuming operations, computer applications such as STRAIN3D, can both streamline strain analyses and reduce the potential for error. And, while many excellent strain analyses computer programs exist, many are compiled using out of date programming languages that rely upon text-based user interfaces and are not compatible with current operating systems. In addition to providing a set of robust analysis tools, STRAIN3D follows the current computer industry trend of coupling increased cross-platform compatibly with simplified user interfaces that are simple to learn and utilize.