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A field indentation microprobe (FIM) apparatus was developed (and patented) to evaluate, nondestructively in situ, the integrity of metallic structures. This study investigated the applicability of using a new automated ball indentation (ABI) test, which is a major part of the FIM, to measure the flow properties of metallic materials including those exhibiting Lüders or inhomogeneous strains (carbon steels, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, etc.) and to estimate their fracture toughness. The ABI test is based on multiple indentations (at the same penetration location) of a polished metallic surface by a spherical indenter. Automation of the test, where a computer and test controller were used in innovative ways to control the test as well as to analyze test data, made it simple, rapid, accurate, economical, and reproducible. Results of ABI tests on different base metals, welds, and irradiated materials are presented and discussed in this paper. Excellent agreement was obtained between ABI-derived data and those from standard ASTM uniaxial tension and fracture toughness tests.

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Plants can be analysed for the elements sodium, magnesium, aluminium, silicon, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, potassium and calcium by X‐ray fluorescent spectrometry using discs pressed directly from dried and ground plant material. Fine grinding is essential to avoid particle size effects and the finely ground samples are self supporting when pressed. Tables are given to correct for variations in absorption by the samples due to compositional changes, and also to correct for crystal fluorescence or scatter so that background measurements are not necessary on each sample. Calibration has been made using chemicals added to cellulose and the results obtained on a series of samples agree (essentially within one standard deviation) with the mean values obtained by other methods. Results are also given for the standard kale sample.