Lab 3 - Microstructure Analysis PDF
Lab 3 - Microstructure Analysis PDF
Lab 3 - Microstructure Analysis PDF
Lab Title:
MICROSTRUCTURE ANALYSIS
1) Objectives
2) Introduction
Metallographic can be defined as the visual study of the constitution and structure of
materials. Metallographic examinations can be broadly classified into two types namely
macroscopic examinations and microscopic examinations.
The study of microstructure on details is important due to its correlation with the ensuing
mechanical properties of the material. As an example, if material A exhibits a more homogenous
and refined microstructure than material B, it may very well be anticipated that material A will
exhibit better room temperature properties when compared to material B.
In this experiment, the students will learn about and gain practice in using reflected light
microscope for microstructure analysis on materials science and engineering.
1
PDT122 Material Science Faculty of Engineering Technology
This type of metallographic examination is carried out with visible light, reflected from the
specimens surface. Reflected light microscopy can be used to determine the nature and
distribution of phases (microstructural constituents) in metallurgical specimens as well as
examine features such as grains boundaries, twins and cracks.
When examining a specimen, it is good to use a range of magnifications. Starting with low
power, and examining particular aspects of the microstructural at higher power, will reduce the
likelihood of important features being overlooked. Note the light source, the objective lens, and
the eyepiece. To clearly see an image, the microscope must also be turned on (it provides the
light that is reflected off the samples surface). It is advised that all course focusing be done at
low magnification; at high magnification use only fine focus. This reduces the chances of having
a lens accidentally contact the sample (as will be seen, the 40x objective lens comes very close to
the sample surface). There are other features and adjustments on these microscopes, which we
will not be using.
2
PDT122 Material Science Faculty of Engineering Technology
There are some features of interest to materials engineers, which are too small to be seen in a
light microscope (which is limited to features about 5 x 10-7 m, one-half the wavelength of the
illuminating light). Other techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM),
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) and X-Ray
Diffraction (XRD) are available.
3) Equipment
The list of equipment and tools required in the microstructure analysis are:
1. Specimens
2. Microscope
3. Computer
4) Procedures
5) Results
The results of analysis are presented in terms of specimen microstructure images captured by
using microscope with three different magnifications (50x, 1,000x, and 2,000x).
6) Discussion
Please answer and discuss the following questions in the lab report.
3
PDT122 Material Science Faculty of Engineering Technology
7) References