Isomorphous Alloy Systems^[1]

The term isomorphous refers to metals that are completely miscible in each other in both the liquid and solid states. This article discusses the construction of simple phase diagrams by using the appropriate points obtained from time-temperature cooling curves. It describes the two methods to determine a phase diagram with equilibrated alloys: the static method and the dynamic method. The article illustrates the construction of phase boundaries according to the Gibbs' phase rule and describes the calculation methods that allow the prediction of the phases present, the chemical compositions of the phases present, and the amounts of phases present. Phase diagrams provide useful information for understanding alloy solidification. The article provides two simple models that can describe the limiting cases of solidification behavior.