Variations In Surface Texture Research Articles

Influence of calcination temperature on the 3D nanoscale topography of LaMnO3 thin films: A comprehensive surface analysis

In this paper, we present a comprehensive study on the 3D nanoscale topography of LaMnO3 thin films, focusing on the influence of calcination temperature on surface morphology. The study reveals significant structural, chemical, and morphological changes as a function of the calcination temperature. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of the orthorhombic LaMnO3 structure at 700 °C, 750 °C, and 800 °C, with increasing unit cell volume and crystallite size observed at higher temperatures. FTIR spectra identified characteristic functional groups associated with molecular vibrations, indicating the perovskite structure. SEM imaging showed grain growth with temperature, while EDS analysis confirmed compound formation and substrate interactions. AFM analysis revealed increased surface roughness with temperature, attributed to nucleation and crystal growth. Morphological and microtextural analyses further detailed changes in surface features, peaks, valleys, and voids. Fractal characterization highlighted variations in surface texture with temperature, with a decrease in dominant wavelength indicating changes in microtexture complexity. Overall, the findings provide insights into the temperature-dependent properties of LaMnO3 thin films, essential for optimizing growth conditions and understanding their potential applications in various fields.

The Impact of Surface Structure Changes on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of Modern Soccer Balls

PURPOSE This study comprehensively examined the aerodynamic and flight characteristics of modern soccer balls, focusing on their design evolution and performance attributes. METHODS The aerodynamic characteristics of five types of World Cup balls (2006 Germany World Cup, 2010 South Africa World Cup, 2014 Brazil World Cup, 2018 Russia World Cup, 2022 Qatar World Cup) and five types of Euro tournament balls (EURO2008, EURO2012, EURO2016, EURO2020, EURO2024) were examined, along with their respective design changes. RESULTS Through detailed analysis, significant variations in aerodynamic properties among soccer balls used in various tournaments were identified. Recent advancements have resulted in faster transitions towards critical Reynolds numbers, indicating improved stability in flight trajectories. This enhancement was attributed to the augmentation of surface roughness, which plays a crucial role in enhancing aerodynamic stability and overall performance. 2D simulations simulating powerful goalkeeper kicks revealed distinct differences in flight distances among different soccer balls; the Jabulani ball used in the 2010 World Cup exhibited the longest flight distance, while that of the 2024 Euro ball was the shortest. CONCLUSIONS Variations in surface texture significantly impact aerodynamic properties, affecting flight distance, arrival time, and height. This study underscores the significant design enhancements in modern soccer balls that optimize aerodynamic stability and performance, with modifications aimed at improving flight characteristics and enriching player experience.

Study of Microstructure, Texture, and Cooking Qualities of Reformulated Whole Wheat Flour Pasta by Substituting Water with Stearic Acid–Candelilla Wax–Groundnut Oil Oleogel

Oleogels, which are traditionally utilized to reduce saturated and trans fats in bakery foods, have recently shown promising applications in non-bakery foods, particularly in the enhancement of their food texture and cooking qualities. This study investigates the impact of incorporating stearic acid-containing candelilla wax–groundnut oil oleogel in various proportions on the production of whole wheat pasta. Five different pasta samples were prepared by replacing water with oleogels in varying concentrations (2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 15%), and their physicochemical attributes were evaluated using a range of analytical methods for both cooked and uncooked pasta (like microscopy, colorimetry, dimensional analysis, texture, cooking qualities, moisture content, and FTIR). Significant differences in width, thickness, and color properties were observed between the control sample (0% oleogel) and those containing oleogel, with notable variations in surface texture and color intensities, particularly with the higher oleogel content (p < 0.05). Cooked pasta exhibited lower L* values and higher a* values than uncooked pasta. Stereo zoom microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) micrographs demonstrated a change in the pasta surface topology and microstructures. Dark spots on the pasta with greater oleogel concentrations (samples with 10% and 15% oleogel replacement) suggest the formation of starch–lipid complexes. Cooking induced pore formation, which was more pronounced when the oleogel content was increased, impacted the water absorption capacity, swelling index, and moisture content. The cooked samples exhibited higher moisture content and improved polymer network stability compared to the uncooked ones, indicating the potential of oleogel incorporation to modulate pasta properties in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings underscore the versatility of oleogels when their applications are diversified in non-bakery foods to enhance food texture and quality.

The Playground Shade Index: A New Design Metric for Measuring Shade and Seasonal Ultraviolet Protection Characteristics of Parks and Playgrounds.

Current shading strategies used to protect outdoor playgrounds from harmful solar radiation include the placement of artificial cloth weaves or permanent roofing over a playground site, planting trees in proximity to playground equipment, and using vegetation or surface texture variations to cool playground surfaces. How and where an artificial shade structure is placed or a tree is planted to maximize the shade protection over specific playground areas, requires careful assessment of local seasonal sun exposure patterns. The Playground Shade Index (PSI) is introduced here as a design metric to enable shade and solar ultraviolet exposure patterns to be derived in an outdoor space using conventional aerial views of suburban park maps. The implementation of the PSI is demonstrated by incorporating a machine learning design tool to classify the position of trees from an aerial image, thus enabling the mapping of seasonal shade and ultraviolet exposure patterns within an existing 7180 m2 parkland. This is achieved by modeling the relative position of the sun with respect to nearby buildings, shade structures, and the identified evergreen and deciduous tree species surrounding an outdoor playground.

Evaluation of 3D and 2D chronomorphometrics for latent fingermark aging studies.

Latent fingermark age determination is a relatively new subdiscipline of friction ridge pattern analysis that has the potential to ascertain two key pieces of information: the "who" and the "when" from a single evidence item. In this proof-of-concept study, the sensitivity and suitability of a series of 3D and 2D chronomorphometrics, ie, quantitative measurement of form as a function of time, are examined under various temperatures (55, 21, 4, and -20°C) at 6 months. 3D imaging with an optical profiler (OP) in tandem with a conventional 2D fingermark enhancing method, ie powdering with titanium dioxide, is the technique selected. From a chronomorphometric perspective, the 3D-OP detects micrometer variations in surface texture with regard to the heights (Sa and Ra) and volume (Vu) of the ridges, whereas 2D imaging provides information on color contrast (MI and IA), the fingermark visual quality score (QS), and the relative area extension of color-coded maps of ridge clarity (BlueGreen, BG). Statistical analyses have revealed different degrees of sensitivity of the 2D and 3D metrics for detecting the effect of temperature and time, being 3D the most discriminating. In these tested conditions, warmer temperatures (55 and 21°C) have shown the most impact on ridge degradation with the lowest levels observed at -20°C. The concurrent application of 2D and 3D metrics would be considered the best approach to advance the knowledge on fingermark aging processes and possible mathematical models.

Characterization of Geometry and Surface Texture of AlSi10Mg Laser Powder Bed Fusion Channels Using X-ray Computed Tomography

Channels manufactured by laser powder bed fusion have an inherent process-induced dross formation and surface texture that require proper characterization for design and process optimization. This work undertakes surface texture characterization of AlSi10Mg channels of nominal diameter sizes ranging from 1 mm to 9 mm using X-ray computed tomography. Profile parameters, including Pa, Pz, and Pq, were found to be interchangeable for qualitative characterization of surface texture variation. Psk, Pvv, and the fractal dimension could identify the presence of extreme dross and sintered particles on the measured profiles. A method for predicting the equivalent diameter of the unobstructed cross-sectional area (Deq) was presented and its reduction was found to follow a logarithmic trend, as a function of channel length. An empirical model Pa (β, D), as a function of local angular position (β) and channel diameter (D), was demonstrated on a perfect channel geometry, resulting in well-predicted roughness and internal geometry.

Evaluation of pavement surface texture at the network level

ABSTRACTIn this study, variations in surface texture depth within a given roadway project and across different projects were studied. Network-level surface texture data were collected on the highway network in using a 3D laser system (LCMS). Differences in mean texture depth (MTD) were estimated for five surface types (Portland concrete cement, PCC; Superpave mixes, SM-9.5A & SR-12.5A; Chip seal; Ultra-thin bonded asphalt surface, UBAS) considering the random effects of project location, surface age and annual average daily traffic. Variations in surface texture were also investigated at the horizontal curves. In addition, the relationship between the texture depth and the skid number obtained by the ASTM skid trailer were investigated. Results show that there are significant differences in average texture depth within a project and across projects. Highest MTDs were obtained for UBAS and lowest for PCC. At the network level, skid number did not correlate well with the MTDs, irrespective of surface type. However, project-level correlation is quite acceptable.

Assessment of Er, Cr: YSGG Laser Surface Treatment and Self-Adhesive Resin Cements Formulae on Microtensile Bond Strength to Various CAD/CAM Ceramic Esthetic

Purpose: To assess the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG pulsed laser surface treatment versus hydrofluoric acid etching on microtensile bond strength ( µTBS) to three different types of CAD/CAM ceramic materials cemented with two self-adhesive resin cements. Materials and Methods: Ceramic slices (n=24) were prepared from three different types of CAD/CAM blocks: Vita Enamic (group: VE), IPS e.max CAD (group: EM) and Obsidian (group: OB). Two surface treatments were applied followed by silane primer: Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Subgroup ER) and hydrofluoric acid (Subgroup HF as a control). ESEM evaluation was performed before and after surface treatments, accompanied with measurement of roughness (Ra). Two self-adhesive resin cements were used: BisCem (Division BC) & Panavia SA Cement plus (Division PA). After 24 hours storage in distilled water, the ceramic-resin blocks were sectioned into micobeams. A total of 480 microbeams were subjected to (µTBS) testing. Data was tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: ESEM revealed variations in surface texture. Regarding VE group, HF recorded statistically higher significant µTBS with PA. While, EM group, HF showed statistically higher significant µTBS for both cements compared to ER. OB group HF showed statistically higher significant µTBS with PA in contrast to ER which showed statistically higher significant µTBS with BC.Conclusions: The interaction of Er,Cr:YSGG pulsed laser with the surfaces of the tested CAD/CAM materials seemed to be different and dependent on the crystalline structure of these ceramics. Variation of the chemical formulae of self-adhesive resin cements played a great role in determining the µTBS to the tested CAD/CAM materials.

Spectral reflectance “deconstruction” of the Murchison CM2 carbonaceous chondrite and implications for spectroscopic investigations of dark asteroids

Carbonaceous chondrites (CCs) are important materials for understanding the early evolution of the solar system and delivery of volatiles and organic material to the early Earth. Presumed CC-like asteroids are also the targets of two current sample return missions: OSIRIS-REx to asteroid Bennu and Hayabusa-2 to asteroid Ryugu, and the Dawn orbital mission at asteroid Ceres. To improve our ability to identify and characterize CM2 CC-type parent bodies, we have examined how factors such as particle size, particle packing, and viewing geometry affect reflectance spectra of the Murchison CM2 CC. The derived relationships have implications for disc-resolved examinations of dark asteroids and sampleability. It has been found that reflectance spectra of slabs are more blue-sloped (reflectance decreasing toward longer wavelengths as measured by the 1.8/0.6 µm reflectance ratio), and generally darker, than powdered sample spectra. Decreasing the maximum grain size of a powdered sample results in progressively brighter and more red-sloped spectra. Decreasing the average grain size of a powdered sample results in a decrease in diagnostic absorption band depths, and redder and brighter spectra. Decreasing porosity of powders and variations in surface texture result in spectral changes that may be different as a function of viewing geometry. Increasing thickness of loose dust on a denser powdered substrate leads to a decrease in absorption band depths. Changes in viewing geometry lead to different changes in spectral metrics depending on whether the spectra are acquired in backscatter or forward-scatter geometries. In backscattered geometry, increasing phase angle leads to an initial increase and then decrease in spectral slope, and a general decrease in visible region reflectance and absorption band depths, and frequent decreases in absorption band minima positions. In forward scattering geometry, increasing phase angle leads to small non-systematic changes in spectral slope, and general decreases in visible region reflectance, and absorption band depths. The highest albedos and larger band depths are generally seen in the lowest phase angle backscattering geometry spectra. The reddest spectra are generally seen in the lowest phase angle backscatter geometry spectra. For the same phase angle, spectra acquired in forward scatter geometry are generally redder and darker and have shallower absorption bands than those acquired in backscatter geometry. Overall, backscatter geometry-acquired spectra are flatter, brighter, and have deeper 0.7 µm region absorption band depths than forward scatter geometry-acquired spectra. It was also found that the 0.7, 0.9, and 1.1 µm absorption bands in Murchison spectra, which are attributable to various Fe electronic processes, are ubiquitous and can be used to recognize CM2 chondrites regardless of the physical properties of the meteorite and viewing geometry.

Effect of straight vegetable oil blends and biodiesel blends on wear of mechanical fuel injection equipment of a constant speed diesel engine

Vegetable oils and biodiesel have emerged as strong alternative fuels worldwide. However use of new fuels in existing engines leads to issues such as wear of vital moving components, and fuel injection equipment (FIE). It is important to ensure that new alternative fuel does not affect the FIE adversely. In this experimental study, a non-firing engine FIE simulator test rig prototype was developed and 250 h endurance test of FIE was performed with an objective to ensure the long-term compatibility and durability of biofuel blends. The components of FIE such as plunger, nozzle needle, valve, and valve holder were investigated for wear. Test fuels used in this study were Karanja blends (K20, K5), Jatropha blends (J20, J5), Biodiesel blends (B20, B5) and baseline mineral diesel in a non-firing engine FIE simulator. The compatibility of FIE with test fuels in terms of dimensional loss, weight loss and surface texture variations using optical microscopy before and after the endurance test was compared. Biodiesel blends showed relatively lower wear compared to mineral diesel however SVO blends showed no definite trend of the wear results compared to baseline mineral diesel.

Evaluating Surface Cleaning Techniques of Stone Tools Using Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy

Introduction Stone tool use-wear analysis reconstructs how tools were used in the distant past. This is accomplished through the identification of microscopic traces of polish, striations, and fractures left on the tool’s surface. Use-wear analysis is based on the hypothesis that different contact materials (e.g., wood, wheat, or meat) and different motions (e.g., cutting, scraping, or drilling) produce distinct microscopic traces on the used tool including microfractures, polish, and striations. Understanding the function of tools gives archaeologists insight into the behaviors of past peoples, allowing for the reconstruction of ancient ways of life. Traditional use-wear analysis uses light microscopy to visually identify wear traces [1, 2, 3]. However, this qualitative analysis can lead to interpretive conflicts between researchers. In recent years, new methods for measuring usewear have been developed that quantify functional traces on stone tools [4-12]. Many of these methods quantify the surface roughness of the polished areas, measuring topographic features at small scales to understand variation in surface texture created by contact materials such as antler, meat, and wood. One method that shows particular promise uses a laser scanning confocal microscope (in this case, the OLYMPUS LEXT OLS4000) to characterize surface texture. Outlined here are the results of measurements taken with the above instrument to understand the effects of various cleaning methods on the surface roughness of experimental stone tools used to cut wheat. Currently, there is little consensus among use-wear analysts on how to adequately clean stone tools prior to analysis. Standardization is integral to the development of use-wear analysis and for continued research into the quantification of wear traces as it allows for comparability of the results from different researchers. In the research presented here, experimental stone tools were subjected to three levels of cleaning: (1) with alcohol, (2) alcohol followed by soap and water, and finally (3) chemical cleaning with potassium hydroxide (10%) and hydrochloric acid (10%). These three stages of cleaning represent commonly used techniques of sample preparation and are increasingly invasive. The results of this study contribute to the standardization of sample preparation and show the application of the LEXT OLS4000 for archaeological use-wear studies. This article describes measurements that indicate how different commonly used cleaning protocols affect surface roughness measurements.

A new approach to numerical characterisation of wear particle surfaces in three-dimensions for wear study

In the wear and tear process of synovial joints, wear particles generated and released from articular cartilage within the joints have surface topography and mechanical property which can be used to reveal wear conditions. Three-dimensional (3D) particle images acquired using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) contain appropriate surface information for quantitatively characterizing the surface morphology and changes to seek a further understanding of the wear process and wear features. This paper presents a new attempt on the 3D numerical characterisation of wear particle surfaces using the field and feature parameter sets which are defined in ISO/FDIS 25178-2. Based on the innovative pattern recognition capability, the feature parameters are, for the first time, employed for quantitative analysis of wear debris surface textures. Through performing parameter classification, ANOVA analysis and correlation analysis, typical changing trends of the surface transformation of the wear particles along with the severity of wear conditions and osteoarthritis (OA) have been observed. Moreover, the feature parameters have shown a significant sensitivity with the wear particle surfaces texture evolution under OA development. A correlation analysis of the numerical analysis results of cartilage surface texture variations and that of their wear particles has been conducted in this study. Key surface descriptors have been determined. Further research is needed to verify the above outcomes using clinic samples.

Gray matter textural heterogeneity as a potential in-vivo biomarker of fine structural abnormalities in Asperger syndrome

Brain imaging studies contribute to the neurobiological understanding of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Herein, we tested the prediction that distributed neurodevelopmental abnormalities in brain development impact on the homogeneity of brain tissue measured using texture analysis (TA; a morphological method for surface pattern characterization). TA was applied to structural magnetic resonance brain scans of 54 adult participants (24 with Asperger syndrome (AS) and 30 controls). Measures of mean gray-level intensity, entropy and uniformity were extracted from gray matter images at fine, medium and coarse textures. Comparisons between AS and controls identified higher entropy and lower uniformity across textures in the AS group. Data reduction of texture parameters revealed three orthogonal principal components. These were used as regressors-of-interest in a voxel-based morphometry analysis that explored the relationship between surface texture variations and regional gray matter volume. Across the AS but not control group, measures of entropy and uniformity were related to the volume of the caudate nuclei, whereas mean gray-level was related to the size of the cerebellar vermis. Similar to neuropathological studies, our study provides evidence for distributed abnormalities in the structural integrity of gray matter in adults with ASC, in particular within corticostriatal and corticocerebellar networks. Additionally, this in-vivo technique may be more sensitive to fine microstructural organization than other more traditional magnetic resonance approaches and serves as a future testable biomarker in AS and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Development of Design Procedure to Predict Asphalt Pavement Skid Resistance

A laboratory design procedure was developed to evaluate the skid resistance of asphalt pavement with laboratory test results. For the development of the procedure, twelve typical asphalt wearing course mixtures with different combinations of aggregate sources and mix types were considered. The frictional performance of asphalt mixtures was evaluated with an accelerated polishing and testing procedure developed at the National Center for Asphalt Technology. The circular texture meter and the dynamic friction tester at various predetermined polishing cycles were used to evaluate the variations in surface texture and friction characteristics of asphalt testing slabs during accelerated polishing. The skid resistance of asphalt mixtures attributable to accelerated polishing was quantified with the international friction index number F60, which was computed with the friction numbers measured with the dynamic friction tester at 20 km/h and the obtained mean profile depth values. The analysis of F60 results led to the development of a set of friction prediction models and a laboratory friction-resistant mix design procedure. The developed procedure, which allows estimation of asphalt pavement skid resistance based on laboratory measured micro- and macrotexture results, is a useful tool for laboratory evaluation of a mixture's friction resistance. The procedure can also facilitate the use of locally available aggregates with lower skid resistance in a wearing course mix design and thereby produce both cost-effective and skid-resistant surface mixtures.

Historic Window Glass

Window glass is an essential component of most buildings but the transparency of much glass means it often goes unnoticed. Modern window glass is almost invisible but historic glass usually has a tint or colour and variations in surface texture and thickness, all of which distort a transmitted (and reflected) image. This distortion contributes to the overall aesthetic quality of a historic building. It is important that any architectural conservation decisions, such as the retention and/or replacement of window glass, proceed from a position of knowledge. The most important aspect of extant glazing is whether or not it is original. This paper explores the use of a chemical analysis technique to determine the age of historic glass.

Evaluation of Long Bone Surface Textures as Ontogenetic Indicators in Centrosaurine Ceratopsids

The search for criteria for aging non-mammalian fossil vertebrates has preoccupied paleobiologists in recent years. Previous studies of the long bones of pterosaurs and modern and subfossil birds as well as of cranial material of centrosaurine ceratopsid dinosaurs have documented variations in surface textures that seem to be ontogenetically related. In this study, long bones from the centrosaurine ceratopsid genera Centrosaurus, Einiosaurus, and Pachyrhinosaurus are examined to test the hypothesis that changes in bone surface textures and reduction of surface porosity could be correlated with size (and presumably age) classes, as has been previously documented in pterosaurs and birds. The data set includes 141 bones representing all six long bone elements, collected from monodominant centrosaurine bone beds. Bone surface patterns are documented by macroscopic visual examination, and a sequence of five texture classes ordered by decreasing surface porosity is described based on the common distributions of these patterns. Calculations of Spearman's rank correlation coefficients reveal significant correlations between texture class and size. The smallest bones are invariably associated with porous midshaft textures that grade to fibrous and long-grained patterns proximally and distally [Texture Class (TC) 1]. Post-hoc analysis after Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA on ranks confirms that the mean size of TC1 bones is, in most cases, significantly different than the mean size of bones in other texture classes. Results of this study suggest the presence of an ontogenetic surface textural signal in centrosaurine long bones; however, comparison of texture classes with size-independent maturity criteria is needed to clarify further the potential ontogenetic significance of higher texture classes.

Surface characterisation-based tool wear monitoring in peripheral milling

In the last decade, the progress of surface metrology has led to improved 3D characterisation of surfaces, offering the possibility of monitoring manufacturing operations and providing highly detailed information regarding the machine tool condition. This paper presents a case study where areal surface characterisation is used to monitor tool wear in peripheral milling. Due to the fact that tool wear has a direct effect on the machined workpiece surface, the machined surface topography contains much information concerning the machining conditions, including the tool wear state. By analysing the often subtle changes in the surface topography, one can highlight the tool wear state. This paper utilises areal surface characterization, areal auto-correlation function (AACF) and pattern analysis to illustrate the effect of tool wear on the workpiece surface. The result shows the following: (1) tool wear, previously difficult to detect, will influence almost all of the areal surface parameters; (2) the pattern features of AACF spectrum can reflect the subtle surface texture variation with increasing tool wear. The authors consider that, combined analysis of the surface roughness and its AACF spectrum are a good choice for monitoring the tool wear state especially with the latest developments in on-machine surface metrology.

Petrography of quartz grains in beach and dune sands of Northland, North Island, New Zealand

Petrographic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses of quartz grains from beach and dune sands were carried out in the western and eastern Northland coasts, New Zealand, to examine variations in durability and surface texture, which are controlled by mechanical and chemical processes, in profiles across beach and dune environments. This was done through point counts of quartz grain properties based on extinction angle and crystallinity. Variations in surface texture were assessed through SEM observations of mechanical features (conchoidal fractures, smooth surfaces, groove forms) and chemical features (solution pits, etching, silica deposits). Mechanically produced grooves are associated with beach sands affected by the high energy of the surf zone. Both mechanical and chemical processes occur in the eastern dune sands. They are associated with the greater abundance of angular grains in the eastern dune sands than the western dune sands. In addition, conchoidal fractures produced by the collision of grains in aeolian environments and linear and curved grooves produced by quartz grains from the beach support the mechanical processes taking place in the dunes. Solution pits, etching, and the presence of diatoms in the quartz grains are associated with pedogenesis and high silica precipitation in the eastern beach and dune sands. The durability of coarse‐grained polycrystalline quartz relative to fine‐grained polycrystalline quartz suggests that chemical abrasion exerts control over the distribution of quartz types in the dune sands.

Scanning electron microscopy of activated carbons prepared from commercial acrylic textile fibres

Scanning electron microscopy has been used to study the variation in surface texture and dimension during carbonisation and activation of three acrylic textile fibres. The results show that both ordered and disorganised forms of carbon exert a direct influence on the macroscopic structure of the carbon materials. In addition, the results also show that the presence of small amounts of an inorganic additive, namely titanium dioxide, can disrupt the graphene structure and lead to modification of the surface texture and reactivity of the carbon materials.

Strategies for autonomous rovers at Mars

The science return from future robotic exploration of the Martian surface can be enhanced by performing routine processing using onboard computers. This can be accomplished by using software that recognizes scientifically relevant surface features from imaging and other data and prioritizes the data for return transmission to Earth. Two algorithms have been designed and evaluated with field data to identify the properties of the environment that can be reliably detected with onboard imaging and multispectral observation. One algorithm identifies variations in surface textures in images and successfully distinguishes between rocks and soil and between differences in grain size in a rock of a single composition. A second algorithm utilizes a neural net to recognize selected carbonate minerals from spectral reflectance data and successfully identifies carbonates from a set of spectra collected in the field. These types of algorithms will contribute to the efficiency of a landed instrument suite given the limited resources of time, data storage, and available communications opportunities.