Microradiographic observation of grainy structure of Al-alloy

Studies concerning the functionality and integrity of components require information about microstructure and related mechanical behavior of the material used. Material microstructure is standardly observed optically or by scanning electron microscope, mechanical behavior is usually measured by some optical method. One promising solution how to observe material microstructure and its mechanical behavior simultaneously is utilizing the mu-radiographic technique. This possibility is demonstrated in non-homogenous distribution of Cooper in individual grains of Al-alloy which is manifested by characteristic patterns in mu-radiograms. The measurement of the displacement field requires certain marks which can be followed as moving objects during loading. Radiographic studies of mechanical behavior of alloys can benefit from their natural microstructure which can be utilized as natural mark fields. The employed table-scale experimental system includes the advantage of simplicity of use and low cost operation compared to those of synchrotron facilities, which are currently used for this kind of studies.