the process of annealing is a process by which the metal is normalised. after it has been cold worked/rolled/forged/etc, it can be placed back into the furnice, heated upto a temprature near or above its austinisation temprature (recrystilisation temprature). it is then cooled out of the furnice to room temprature, where the crystaline structure that is formed as a result is equiaxied and strong.
another similar process to this is whats called quenching, where the metal is heated upto a temprature near or above its austinisation temprature, taken out of the furnice, and placed into either water or oil. the result of which creates a crystaline structure that has very small crystals and are not equal in size. the metal then has a much harder, stronger structure to it, allowing it to be more durable.
the 3rd similar process to this is whats called normalisation, which is very similar to the annealing process, but instead of being taken out of the furnace to be cooled at room temprature, it is left in the furnace, and is cooled at a much slower rate. this results in a crystaline structure that has much bigger crystals, and a much softer material. this metal is more maluable, and can be cold worked/rolled/work hardened to create a harder material.
that is what i have been taught by my engineering teacher, so if i have go that wrong, please tell me.
and i got no idea in the workd what radiographic examination is... could it be some kind of non-destructive testing? or has it got to do with telecomunication?