2D and 3D Microstructural Reconstruction of Nodular Cast Iron

Reconstruction of random heterogeneous media has been an increasingly popular theme in materials science, as such media is primarily found in nature and manufactured materials. An ideal reconstruction includes every microstructural feature of the reference image and allows simulations of physical quantities that agree with experimental data. In this work, three 2D reconstructions and three 3D reconstructions are produced. All six are based on a single planar section. Its stereological and metallographic features are compared to those of the reference. 2D and 3D reconstructions from single planar sections were carried out with simulated annealing and a sampling method. The first reconstruction used the co-occurrence correlation function (CCF) and orthogonal sampling. The second employed the two-point correlation function ($S_2$) and the lattice point algorithm (LPA) as the sampling method. Finally, the third reconstruction used the $S_2$ together with the two-point cluster function ($C_2$) and the LPA as the sampling method. One of two sampling techniques (orthogonal and LPA) were used. The reconstructions that were done using $S_2$ and $C_2$ and LPA sampling provided the best results both in 2D and 3D cases, combining realistic morphology and good compatibility with the reference stereological measures.

Keywords:
Optimization; Simulated annealing; Heterogeneous media reconstruction; Microstructure; Characterization