Optical measurements based on practical methods for detecting time-wise morphing structures

Abstract Nowadays non-contact measurement methods have become widely used systems in several fields especially robotics, aerospace, architecture, and cultural heritage. Practical devices, taken from mass markets, are increasingly being used in scientific and engineering research fields thanks to their ability to combine good accuracy with to the low-cost and ready-to-use experimental setup. In the present paper, digital image analysis (based on digital camera devices) and three-dimensional scanning technique (based on Kinect I and Kinect II sensors) are compared to evaluate their performance in detecting a time-wise shape modification. Digital camera and Kinect sensors are used to the non-contact detection of a morphing blade able to modify its geometry according to airflow temperature variation. The comparison showed the capability of the digital image technique to provide quantitative information when a proper alignment is adopted, while the three-dimensional scanning process allows the continuous blade detection useful to quantify the shape modification. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional blade shape reconstruction processes are also discussed.