ABSTRACT
Investigation of a variety of physical, chemical and structural t ransformat ions , which take place dur ing SHS, requires a comprehensive set of advanced diagnostics. The use of a particular method depends primarily on the studied structural level. Thus, the evolution of the crystal structure and phase composition can be studied by the diffraction of X-rays, neutrons and/or electrons. The transformation of the microstructure can be investigated by the methods of optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The macrostructure can be examined by direct observation with a relatively small magnification. In addition to these three structural levels, which are commonly recognized in materials science, for SHS it is necessary to add the thermal structure of the combustion wave. Such thermal structure can
be examined by the methods of macro-and microvideo recording, as well as by micro-thermocouples and pyrometric measurements. The chemical composition and distribution of the elements are typically determined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
