Methods for investigating local textures
Texture and anisotropy of polycrystalline materials. Kiluchi diffraction patterns and orientation microscopy

Stereology , based on optical microscopy , but traditionally disregarding crystal structure, was one of the first attempts to broaden the approach to knowledge of microstructure . The advantages of optical microscopy include:

• wide availability;

• observation of microstructure at low magnification;

• measurement of the shape, size and network of grain boundaries;

• and phase discrimination.

Disadvantages include:

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