QUANTITATIVE MICROSCOPY 4 5 7

14-

INTERCEPT LENGTH DISTRIBUTION-DUPLEX GRAIN STRUCTURE

1312
II
I0
UJ

_i 9

8
<

o 7
a
E 6
u.
o 5
tz

UJ

Fine
Groin
Size

4
^

Coarse
Grain
Size

0= 3

UJ
Q.

rm-h-r

I
IO

15
20
25
INTERCEPT LENGTH,mm

n
30

_.

35

CL-

40

Figure 6-12 Arithmetic frequency histogram of the random intercept measurements of the duplex
grain structure shown in Fig. 6-11.

If more than a few percent of pearlite is present, the methods just described to
measure grain size must be modified to obtain an accurate grain size estimate. The
morphology of the ferrite phase can vary substantially depending on the composition and processing.
If the second phase is similar in size to the matrix phase, comparison charts
can be used to estimate the matrix grain size. If the amount of the second phase is
low, and is located primarily at the grain boundaries, chart ratings can be
performed.
If these conditions are not present or if a more accurate estimate is desired,
the planimetric or intercept methods can be used. If the planimetric method is
chosen, the number of matrix grains that are within the test area and intersect the
perimeter is counted as described previously, but the percentage of the test area
containing these grains must also be measured. This can be done by point counting
or lineal analysis within the test area. Then the corrected test area is used in the
calculations. This method is not very convenient.
The intercept method is simpler and yields excellent results. First, the volume
fraction of the matrix is determined, generally by point counting or lineal analysis.
This measurement is usually made on the second phase, and the Vv of the matrix
phase is determined by difference. Next, the three-circle test grid, or another
linear test grid, is applied to the structure, and the number of matrix grains Na