If a sample splitter is unavailable, what method can be used for reducing sample sizes?

The quartering method is a traditional and effective technique for reducing sample sizes when a sample splitter is not available. This method involves dividing the original sample into four equal parts. The individual sections are then mixed thoroughly, and two of the sections are removed, retaining the other two for analysis. This ensures that the retained sample is representative of the original in terms of its composition.

The quartering method is particularly useful in various material engineering contexts where maintaining the integrity and representativeness of the sample is crucial for testing and analysis. It effectively reduces the sample to a manageable size while preserving the characteristics that are needed for reliable results.

In contrast, the other methods mentioned do not specifically describe a systematic way to reduce sample sizes while maintaining representativeness. Random sampling could potentially lead to bias if not done carefully, while slicing and cross-section methods are not standard approaches for size reduction in sampling but rather techniques used for preparing samples for analysis. The quartering method stands out as a well-established practice in sample size reduction.