Qualitative micromechanical and microstructural analysis of synchrotron experiments on cast irons

Important results from the project

The project aimed to study synchrotron data and develop and refine methods for qualitative 3D analysis of microstructure and damage- and deformation mechanisms in cast iron. Furthermore, another goal of the project was to verify the analysis possibilities with photon-based techniques. These goals have been met and show the usefulness of photon-based techniques by identify and visualise cast iron microstructure i 3D.

Expected long term effects

The project has generated a publication and a draft publication that will be sent to a suitable international journal later in the year. The project has also shown the possibilities that photon-based techniques provide for use in material development at the micro level. The possibility to visualise cast irons structures and their behaviour in 3D leads to deeper understanding och material behaviour and may facilitate tailored structures for optimised properties. The project provides the industry with a basis for assessing the broad opportunities offered by photon-based techniques.

Approach and implementation

The analysis work has been based on a synchrotron experiment previously performed at ESRF. Small cast iron test specimen were loaded during in situ tomography and 3D X-ray diffraction. Tomography data from the experiments have been analyzed with traditional image analysis but also with new methods based on machine learning. Furthermore, strain analysis in 3D, based on correlation technique, has been performed. All data have been correlated to understand the connections between microstructure and deformation and damage mechanisms. Results have been compiled in publications.