1. Scope

1.1 This practice describes a procedure for obtaining stereological measurements that describe basic characteristics of the morphology of indigenous inclusions in steels and other metals using automatic image analysis. The practice can be applied to provide such data for any discrete second phase.

Note 1--Stereological measurement methods are used in this practice to assess the average characteristics of inclusions or other second-phase particles on a longitudinal plane-of-polish. This information, by itself, does not produce a three-dimensional description of these constituents in space as deformation processes cause rotation and alignment of these constituents in a preferred manner. Development of such information requires measurements on three orthogonal planes and is beyond the scope of this practice.

1.2 This practice specifically addresses the problem of producing stereological data when the features of the constituents to be measured make attainment of statistically reliable data difficult.

1.3 This practice deals only with the recommended test methods and nothing in it should be construed as defining or establishing limits of acceptability.

1.4 The measured values are stated in SI units, which are to be regarded as standard. Equivalent inch-pound values are in parentheses and may be approximate.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens

E7 Terminology Relating to Metallography

E45 Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel

E768 Guide for Preparing and Evaluating Specimens for Automatic Inclusion Assessment of Steel

Keywords

exogenous inclusion; feature-specific measurements; field measurements; image analysis; inclusions; indigenous inclusions; light microscopy; oxide; second-phase particles; statistical analysis; stereology; sulfide; Photomicrography; Second-phase particles; Slab/slabs; Specimen preparation (for testing)--metals/alloys; Steel bars; Steel billets and blooms; Stereological measurement; Structural metals/alloys; Sulfide/sulfur environments; Sulfur--steel; Surface analysis--metals/alloys; Visual examination--metals/alloys; Volume fractions; Area fractions; Automated procedures--metals/alloys; Automatic image analysis; Ferrous metals/alloys; Field area; Fracture testing; Gray level intensity; Image analysis--metals/metallic materials; Inclusions--metals/alloys; Indigenous inclusions; Light microscopes; Macroetching; Metallographic analysis/inspection; Metals and metallic materials--inclusion rating; Microscopic examination--metals/alloys; Morphology; Oxide inclusions ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 77.040.99 (Other methods of testing metals)

DOI: 10.1520/E1245-95

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.