Introduction to Automated Stereology:

 

This paper presents automated stereological methods for estimating the 3D size distribution of unimodal or bimodal precipitate dispersions. These dispersions are based on 2D and 1D measurements from spherical, non-penetrating, polydisperse particle dispersions.

 

Uncertainty Quantification: 

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The study introduces a method to quantify the uncertainty of these approximations, based on the number of sampled particles. This method is demonstrated using experimental data, highlighting the impact of sample size on the accuracy of results.

 

Stereological Methods and Applications: 

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Two key procedures are described for estimating the 3D size distribution of bimodal particle populations. The approach differs depending on whether the particles are characterised using micrographs taken at the same or different magnifications. When the magnifications differ, additional steps are needed to estimate area fractions before combining the datasets for an accurate 3D size approximation.

 

Applications in Particle Size Modelling: 

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These methods are especially valuable in determining the initial particle size distribution for use in modelling. Additionally, they help establish the number of micrographs and particles necessary for accurate characterisation of a precipitate dispersion.