Fundamentals of nondestructive materials characterization

Abstract An attempt is made to outline the term ‘materials characterization’. On the basis of the structure-to-property-relationships, a philosophy is proposed, adapted to systematical development of methods for nondestructive materials characterization. The state of the art reached for metals is reviewed and typical applications of macroscopic physical properties for nondestructive materials characterization are given. The materials characterization of ball bearing steel and cast iron by multiparameter materials characterization is discussed in detail.