Metallography.-UniversityofRhodeIsland.pdfVIP

Metallography. Introduction Metallography is the study of the structure of metals. These days it is also applied- to non-metallic materials. Carbon composites, wood, glass, ceramics, and polymers fall into this last category. The examination of a materials structure ranges from extremely coarse to very fine. Viewing by eye to observe rust, cracks, holes are coarse techniques. Identification of individual atoms and dislocations by electron microscopy and X-ray analysis are extremely sensitive and accurate techniques. Normal metallographic examination usually falls in between these two extremes. Grain size and shape, porosity, cracks, second phases, and fracture processes are investigated. From a brief review of these parameters, metallography can be shown to be an extremely powerful analytical tool. For example, the mechanical properties of materials depend upon grain size and shape, and the amount, nature, and distribution of second phases. Thus metallography can predict the mechanical properties of given material. Phase diagram determination utilizes quantitative metallography. The objectives of the experiment are to provide experience of metallographic preparation techniques together with practical examples of fracture analysis and Quantitative meta1lography. Metallographic Preparation Techniques Mounting_ a Specimen The first priority is correct selection of the specimen to be examined. Often material is sectioned from components by cutting either by hacksaw or more delicately by a diamond wafering saw. The area to be eventually examined is placed face down on a die; a hollow cylinder slipped over the die and filled 1/3 full with a thermosetting plastic. A ram compresses the powder, and is forced by a hydraulic press into the powder at a pressure of 5,000 psi. A heating jacket around the ram/di