Graphite nodules features identifications and damaging micromechanims in ductile irons

Ductile irons mechanical properties are strongly influenced by the metal matrix microstructure andon the graphite elements morphology. Depending on the chemical composition, the manufacturing process andthe heat treatments, these graphite elements can be characterized by different shape, size and distribution. Thesegeometrical features are usually evaluated by the experts visual inspection, and some commercial softwares arealso available to assist this activity. In this work, an automatic procedure based on an image segmentationtechnique is applied: this procedure is validated not only considering spheroidal graphite elements, but alsoconsidering other morphologies (e.g. lamellae)