Study on the meso-structure image of shale based on the digital image processing technique

The digital image processing techniques, including gray level transformation, image sharpening, image segmentation and edge detection, is applied to the study on the meso-structure image of shale. The results show that the digital image processing technique can extract useful information from the CT images and construct a model of meso-structure of shale. The model shows the spatial distribution of the different media in the rock. The process of the damage propagation can be seen IN the meso-structure image clearly. Meanwhile, a process, including geometrical vectorization, scaling transformation, and the realization of the FEM software interface, is provided to establish a finite element grid model. The proposed approach can be a research foundation for the further study on the physical and mechanical properties of rock.