This study presents a comprehensive scale-bridging characterization approach to investigate acicular ferrite nucleation in electron beam welded S355 ML steel, demonstrating the critical role of titanium oxide particles in promoting fracture-resistant microstructures for offshore wind monopile applications. Using a multi-technique methodology spanning light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD), the researchers identified and analyzed particles that serve as nucleation sites for acicular ferrite formation. This entry won the prestigious 2024 Jacquet-Lucas Award for Excellence in Metallography at the International Metallographic Contest held during IMAT in Cleveland, October 2024.

This article summarizes the more common analytical techniques for studying ancient metal artifacts, illustrated by case histories. There are two main classifications: noninvasive and invasive techniques. This distinction is of prime importance because some heritage objects may be too rare or valuable for invasive sampling, or there may be ethical objections to certain types of examination. Noninvasive examination of ancient metal artifacts is important, yet it cannot provide the detailed information obtainable from invasive techniques. This is especially true when artifacts contain “hidden” damage and there is also a need for accurate quantitative analyses.

New electrical, mechanical, and chemical testing capabilities give scanning electron microscopes the feel of a self-contained “nano-laboratory.” Several developments in SEM technology allow new and more flexible approaches to the analysis of novel systems, such as Li battery-related materials, nanostructured and nanoporous materials, and novel approaches to 3D analysis.

Integrated elemental analysis with color imaging lets researchers quickly and accurately answer compositional questions.

Many broken parts look similar at a glance, but examination of the failed part using advanced equipment and methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals much more about the origins of the failure. This article presents a case history involving SEM analysis of a trailer hitch fatigue failure.

Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy open new windows into glassmaking processes.

In cold spray characterization, scanning electron microscopy is used to analyze feedstock powders for particle size, distribution, shape, and chemical composition prior to spraying. SEM is used extensively to characterize coating chemistry via energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Coating thickness and interface contour can be characterized in a manner that makes SEM an indispensable and versatile tool for evaluating coating integrity in the as-sprayed condition, as well as in developing an understanding of bonding to the substrate.

Researchers at the University of Michigan are investigating the complex heterogeneous phase transformations associated with deformation in shape memory alloys by means of in-situ tensile loading in combination with SEM, EBSD, and digital image correlation. This article describes the general approach and presents and interprets test results.