Laminated composites are materials with complex architecture made of continuous fibers embedded within a polymeric resin. The properties of the raw materials can vary from one point to another due to different local processing conditions or complex geometrical features for example. A first step towards the identification of these spatially varying material parameters is to image with precision the displacement fields in this complex microstructure when subjected to mechanical loading. This thesis is aimed to accurately measure the displacement and strain fields at the fiber-matrix scale in a cross-ply composite. First, the theories of both local subset-based digital image correlation (DIC) and global finite-element based DIC are outlined. Second, in-situ secondary electron tensile images obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are post-processed by both DIC techniques. Finally, it is shown that when global DIC is applied with a conformal mesh, it can capture more accurately sharp local variations in the strain fields as it takes into account the underlying microstructure. In comparison to subset-based local DIC, finite-element based global DIC is better suited for capturing gradients across the fiber-matrix interfaces.

The goal of this thesis is to contribute to discovering a method which can lead to objectification of support base of infants in prone position at the edge of third and fourth month. The motor development during first six months is described in this thesis based on literature search. Part of the thesis is dedicated to selected primitive reflexes and postural reactions. Furthermore, the work deals with objectification of support base of infants at the edge of third and fourth month. In the study were evaluated 10 infants (5 males and 5 females) with average age 14,01 ± 2,2 weeks. Distribution of support was assessed in three situations such as prone position, prone position with maximal rotation of head to the left and prone position with maximal rotation of head to the right. The results did not show significant difference in weight bearing the left and right upper extremity in prone position. However there was a significant difference in weight bearing in the upper extremities during head rotation. The upper extremity on the side of rotation was more loaded. The weight applied to the upper and lower extremities was significantly different in every evaluated situation. Upper extremities were always weighted more. Keywords Supporting base, developmental kinesiology, postural reactions, primitive...