4D Study of Grain Growth in Armco Iron Using Laboratory X-ray Diffraction Contrast Tomography

Using a novel laboratory diffraction contrast tomography (LabDCT) technique, a non-destructive 4D study was conducted to investigate the evolution in 3D of the grain structure during grain growth in an Armco iron sample. The 3D grain morphology and the crystallographic orientations of more than 300 grains were determined at three temporal states during annealing. The correlation between growth of grains and grain orientation is explored. The results demonstrate the capability of the LabDCT technique to allow detailed studies of grain growth, and thereby provide the necessary 4D experimental evidence required for further understanding of grain growth.