UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN

A TECHNICAL REPORT ON
QUANTITATIVE METALLOGRAPHY
BY
OLADIPO STEPHEN
OLUWADAMILARE

MATRIC NO: 19/30GN044

GROUP: 3

COURSE CODE: MME 381

DEPARTMENT: MATERIAL AND

METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING

INSTRUCTOR: MR R.K ABDULRAZAQ

DATE OF EXPERIMENT: 20/03/2023

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 27/03/2023

 TITLE
QUANTITATIVE METALLOGRAPHY
 INTRODUCTION THEORY
Quantitative metallography is a branch of materials science that
deals with the study of the microstructure of metals and alloys using
quantitative analytical techniques. The theory of quantitative
metallography is based on the fact that the properties of a material
depend on its microstructure, and that this microstructure can be
characterized and quantified using various analytical techniques.

It is also the use of image analysis and other quantitative techniques

to measure and analyze various microstructure features such as
grain size and shape, phase and particle distribution, and dislocation
density and orientation.
The data obtained through quantitative metallography can be used
to develop mathematical models that describe the relationship
between microstructure and material properties, such as strength,
ductility, and fatigue resistance. These models can then be used to
design and optimize materials for specific applications.

In conclusion, quantitative metallography theory is based on the idea

that a material's microstructure is critical in determining its properties,
and that this microstructure can be quantified using various analytical
techniques. The data produced can be used to create mathematical
models that describe the relationship between microstructure and
properties, as well as to design and optimize materials for specific
applications.
The aim and objective of quantitative metallography is use of image
analysis and other quantitative techniques to measure and analyze
various features of the microstructure.
 EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS
• The Electron Microscope
• Polycrystalline Metal
• Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
• X-ray Diffractometer.
 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
To measure the average grain size of polycrystalline metals using
Mean Linear Method.
Find the number of intercepts (N):
• A test line of known length is drawn across the image
• The number of intercepts are then counted
N:B – If the test line goes through the grain boundary, the number
of intercepts (N) is 1.
If the test line is tangential to the grain boundary, then the number
of intercepts (N) is 0.5
If the test line is ends within the grain boundary, then the number of
intercepts (N) is 1.

Find the number of intersects (P):

• A test line of known length is drawn across the image
• The number of intersects (P) are then counted
N:B – If the test line goes through the grain boundary, the number
of intersects (P) is 1.
If the test line is tangential to the grain boundary, then the number
of intersects (P) is 1.
If the test line is ends within the grain boundary, then the number of
intersects (P) is 1.5.

D= L/N = L/P
N = Number of Grain boundaries Intercepted
P = Number of Grain boundaries Intersected
D = Average Grain Size
 OBSERVATIONS
• The grain boundaries is directly proportional to the ultimate
tensile strength
• The ultimate tensile strength of the metal is inversely
proportional to the ductility
• The smaller the grain size the higher the yield stress
• It was also observed that the number of grains intercepted (N)
is usually the same as the number of grain intersected (P) but
in some cases there is a slight difference between them.
 DATA AND CALCULATIONS

Mean linear Intercept(m.l.i) = d = L/P = L/N

Where,

d = Average grain size

L = Test line Length

P = Number of grains intersected

N = Number of grains intercepted

L = 1500µm P = 25.5

m.l.i = 1500/25.5

m.l.i = 58.8µm
 PRECAUTIONS
• The specimen and equipments were handled carefully to
avoid damage/contamination.
• The appropriate magnification for the microscope was
selected. Using too high or too low magnification can result in
either oversampling or under-sampling, leading to errors in the
grain size estimation.
• Edge effects such as deformation or cracking, which can
affect the grain size estimation was avoided.
• Personal protective equipments, such as gloves and safety
glasses should be worn to protect against exposure to
hazardous materials and to prevent contamination of sample.
• The microscope and other equipment should be calibrated
regularly to ensure accurate results.
• The sample should be properly cleaned and polished remove
any surface contaminants, such as oil, grease or dirt, that can
interfere with the examination.
• Appropriate statistical tests was carried to ensure the
accuracy and reliability of the results.
 CONCLUSION
The mean linear intercept method is based on measuring the length
of intercepts of a random set of straight lines with the grains present
in a micrograph of the material. The MLI method provides a simple
and effective way of estimating the grain size without the need for
extensive and time-consuming measurements.

Despite its ease of use, accurate and trustworthy results from the MLI
approach depend on proper sample preparation, the right
magnification, avoiding edge effects, having enough intercepts, and
statistical analysis. The approach makes the assumption that the
grains are dispersed at random throughout the substance and are
unaffected by the sample's edges. To prevent mistakes and
inaccurate estimates of grain size when utilizing the MLI approach,
precautions must be taken.

Overall, the MLI method is a powerful tool for estimating the average
grain size of a material, but it requires careful sample preparation,
appropriate magnification, avoidance of edge effects, sufficient
number of intercepts, and statistical analysis to ensure accurate and
reliable results.