Polycrystalline materials studies by automatic grating interferometry

High sensitivity, grating interferometry system (AGI) with automatic fringe pattern analyzer is shown as the effective experimental tool for material macro and micro structure studies (the smallest grains which behavior may be monitored in this system reach 20 micrometers ). The applications of AGI system for non-homogeneous plastic strain studies of bicrystal and polycrystalline aluminum and steel materials are presented and discussed.