With modern experimental technique, it is possible to measure a peak shape with sufficient accuracy to justify an interpretation based on the precise shape of the reflection. The corrected shape is represented by a cosine Fourier series and a set of An coefficients determined. A plot of the An coefficients vs. n will distinguish between distortion and particle size broadening. From the An coefficients, root mean square values of strain averaged over lengths na3 are obtained. The decrease in these values for increasing length na3 is a direct indication of the non-uniform nature of the strains in cold-worked metal. By measuring several orders of a given plane, it is theoretically possible to obtain a distribution function of the strains directly from a Fourier transform of the An coefficients.
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