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Abstract

Methods to characterise grain size distribution in engineering materials are evaluated, and compared with measurements on two representative materials, an equiaxed aluminium alloy and a heterogeneous nickel alloy. Computer simulations from a model tetrakaidecahedron structure have also been obtained using a personal computer program to rotate and section the model randomly, generating distribution data on section area and intercept lengths. Comparisons have been made between the model distribution data and intercept distribution data from the material microstructures.

It is recommended that size distributions of area plotted against size (intercept) or normalised size provide an effective method for discriminating between different grain size distributions. An estimate of area can be used indirectly by squaring intercept values rather than making direct measurements of grain areas.

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Measurement of grain size and size distribution in engineering materials

Abstract

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