Method for analyzing a scratch test

A method for analyzing a scratch from a scratch test, implementing a digital image acquisition device provided with a high magnification objective able to shoot only a part of the scratch, a bulk and an indenter for applying a force on the bulk, said method comprising the following steps:

• determining the position of the beginning of the scratch relatively to a reference position,
• making the scratch on the bulk by means of the indenter by recording the applied force and at least one measurement parameter, as a function of the displacement of the indenter on the bulk relatively to the reference position,
• acquiring and recording a set of images of the whole of the significant portion of the scratch, each image corresponding to a magnified zone of the scratch, the position on the scratch of each recorded images being determined relatively to the reference position,
• synchronization of the recorded images, of the applied force and of the measurement parameter, as a function of the displacement of the indenter, and
• displaying the curves of the applied force and of the measurement parameter as a function of the displacement of the indenter, and displaying in a synchronized way with the applied force and with the measurement parameter a panoramic image of the significant portion of the scratch, reconstructed from the recorded images.