Size and Spatial Distributions Characterization of Graphite Nodules Based on Connectivity by Dilations

Microstructure in graphite nodules plays a fundamental role in mechanical properties in cast iron. Traditional measures used to study spheroid graphite are nodules density, nodularity, volume fraction and mean size. However, sometimes these parameters do not permit a good characterization of the microstructure since they do not allow the discrimination of different regions. In fact, other measures such as size and spatial distributions enable a better understanding of mechanical properties that can be obtained either by altering certain processing variables or through various heat treatments. In the present paper a method to characterize graphite nodules microstructure based on the connectivity generated by dilations is introduced. This approach, which takes into account size and spatial distributions of graphite, permits to relate the microstructure of graphite nodules with the wear behavior.