SERIAL SECTIONING METHOD IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF 3-D MICROSTRUCTURES FOR PARTICLE-REINFORCED MMCS

A serial-sectioning technique is described for obtaining detailed thre e-dimensional microstructural images from two-dimensional sections of Si-reinforced Al-Si-Mg alloys. Optical micrographs of a series of micr ostructural sections were generated by the gradual removal of material layers. These micrographs were then enhanced and digitized in a quant itative image analysis system. Three-dimensional microstructure models were then computationally constructed by assembling the digitally acq uired two-dimensional micrographs. Serial sectioning was found to be a n inexpensive and effective means of accurately depicting heterogeneou s microstructures at high resolution. A few relevant observations on m aterial properties also were made during sectioning. Particle cracking was found to occur in larger particles that are located in clustered areas and have their longest dimension aligned with the tensile axis. (C) Elsevier Science Inc., 1998.