Validating Models Using 3D Microstructural Characterization

In order to take full advantage of the promise of recent computational efforts, new microstructural models that consider realistic shapes, connectivities, and distributions are required. Characterizing materials in 3D is necessary to reveal the actual distributions of relevant microstructural characteristics and thereby enable development of realistic models to predict the behavior of new materials. This article describes methods to model grain size distributions and presents case studies in cementite precipitation morphology and coarse martensite analysis.