The ability to assess microstructure through quantitative nondestructive evaluation is possible through intelligent use of combinations of intrinsic property measurements. A microstructure rule must be developed to identify the number of measurements necessary to characterize phases and their topology. This paper suggests rules and new methods to classify materials based on electronic structure and response to physical perturbations. An electronic metallographic laboratory that can rapidly characterize materials in-situ on functional or structural materials is in our future.
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