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n = 2 G-1 (Eqn 1)
where:
n = the number of grains per square inch
at 100X magnification, and
G = the ASTM grain size number.
This approach was developed and introduced in
1951 with the premiere of ASTM standard E 91,
Methods for Estimating the Average Grain Size
of Non-Ferrous Metals, other than Copper and
their Alloys.
Although the NA, d, or L3, values had been used
for many years as measures of grain size, the G
values were adopted readily due to their
simplicity.
As shown in Equation, we can directly relate the
number of grains per unit area to G, but the
relationship between L3, and G, or NV and G
are not as clearly defined.
This problem is one of many being addressed by
ASTM Committee E4 on Metallography.
Many grain size raters expressed the need for simpler
ways to estimate the grain size. In some cases, such as
heat clearance, grain size measurement is required. In
many cases, it is required that G be 5 or greater (i.e.,
"fine- grained"). Hence, if the grain size is substantially
finer than this, a quick method, which may not be as
precise as an actual measurement, is adequate. A
comparison chart method with examples of grain sizes
meets this need adequately, as long as the grain size
distribution is normal. Additionally, the specimens should
be etched in the same manner as depicted on the chart.
If the grain size is near the specification limit, an actual
measurement is preferred due to the improved precision.
The first grain size comparison chart was introduced in
Methods E 2 in its 1930 revision; this chart was for
copper.
All these methods are applied on the polished
surface of the specimen, i.e., on a plane that
cuts through the three-dimensional grains. Thus,
these are planar rather than spatial measures of
the grain size. The planimetric, or Jeffries
method, defines the grain size in terms of the
number of grains per unit area, the average
grain area, or the average grain diameter, while
the Heyn intercept method defines it in terms
of the average intercept length. The comparison
chart method expresses the grain size only in
terms of G, except for the copper charts, which
use d.
Evolution of Test Methods E 112
Methods E 2-17T was only slightly more than
three pages long and had three sections:
standard magnifications, lenses, and grain
size. The grain size section did not actually
detail the measurement method, it merely
suggested the method to apply depending on
whether the grains were equiaxed (Jeffries
planimetric method) or elongated (Heyn
intercept method).
The 1920 revision of Methods E 2 added details
on performing the Jeffries planimetric
measurement method. The 1930 revision of
Methods E 2 witnessed the addition of
Committee E-4's first standard chart, a grain
size chart (ten pictures) for brass, i.e., a
twinned austenitic structure with a grain contrast
etch at 75X magnification.
The chart was developed by a special committee
formed on June 28, 1928, which consisted of:
C.H. Davis, chairman (American Brass Co.);
Henry S. Rawdon (U.S. Bureau of Standards);
Edgar H. Dix, Jr. (Aluminum Co. of America); and
Francis F. Lucas (Bell Telephone Laboratories).
A special subcommittee to study grain
characteristics of steels was formed in 1931 with
Clarence J. Tobin (General Motors Research
Laboratory) as chairman. They decided to adopt
the McQuaid-Ehn carburizing test for evaluating
the grain growth characteristics of steel, again
with the aid of a comparison chart.
The proposed chart method was approved as E
19-33T, Classification of Austenite Grain Size in
Steels. At that time, grain size was defined in
terms of the number of grains per square inch at
100X; ASTM grain size numbers were not
introduced until much later.
However, this chart was criticized for being
inaccurate and it was eventually dropped when
E 112, Test Methods for Determining the
Average Grain Size, was introduced.