(5b) Taking the Standards out of Shape Analysis

For decades particle technologist have spent time defining standards for shape and associated meticulous measurements to obtain information to enable classification of particle morphologies. This papers reflects on how this practice might infact be hindering development of the subject rather than enabling it! The rapid advances in digital shape analysis methods generate systems characteristics that defy simple analysis- throwing into question the validity (and need) for simplification. Professor Scarlett frequently expounded the view that "any property could be meausured if you tried hard enough" - and now this has become true for shape measurement. How should the academic and industrial community react at loosing decades of (inferior) standards? Why is the particle technology community not leading out in the adoption of new digital sciences that enable hitherto intractable problems to be addressed with relative ease? The debate will be illustrated using some examples and challenges. Disagreements will no doubt arise and are welcomed!