Quantitation of pressure-sensitive film using digital image scanning

An experimental technique is presented for measurement of contact stress distribution using Fuji Pressensor film. The development of packets of Pressensor disks for use in small areas or surfaces of complex curvature is explained. A digital-image-scanning procedure has been developed to substantially increase the spatial resolution with which stress distributions can be constructed from stained Fuji Pressensor film. The technique is developed for small, discrete disks as well as for larger, continuous sheets of Pressensor. As an illustration, sealed packets of small Pressensor disks are used to measure the stress distribution across a cadaveric juvenile femoral head under load.