Understanding Eutectic Point: Definition and Calculation

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SUMMARY

The eutectic point is defined as the composition of a mixture of two or more phases that exhibits the lowest melting point, allowing for simultaneous crystallization from a molten solution. This phenomenon is illustrated in phase diagrams, where the eutectic point is located at the vertex of the liquid phase, indicating a direct transition from solid to liquid without partial melting. The steel (Fe-C) system serves as a practical example of eutectic behavior, showcasing the significance of understanding binary phase diagrams in materials science.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of phase diagrams and their components
  • Familiarity with eutectic and eutectoid concepts
  • Knowledge of materials science, particularly in metallurgy
  • Basic grasp of crystallization processes in mixtures
NEXT STEPS
  • Research binary phase diagrams and their applications in materials science
  • Study the steel (Fe-C) eutectic system in detail
  • Explore the implications of eutectic points in alloy design
  • Learn about three-phase reactions and their significance in crystallization
USEFUL FOR

Materials scientists, metallurgists, and students studying phase transitions and crystallization processes in mixtures.

chound
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What is eutectic point?
 
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Actually I read that but couldn't understand what was written that's why I posted here
 
chound, what is not clear in the wikipedia article.

The key point is:
A eutectic or eutectic mixture is a mixture of two or more phases at a composition that has the lowest melting point, and where the phases simultaneously crystallise from molten solution at this temperature.
In the two phase diagram given, the eutectic is found at the "V" of the liquid phase, where the vertex touches the horizontal line. The horizontal line represents a constant temperature, and the vertex represents a specific composition. The eutectic represents the point where that composition goes 'directly' from solid to liquid, i.e. without partially melting to a solid-liquid combination.

The example of the steel (Fe - C) system is perhaps better.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutectic#Eutectoid
This figure shows the eutectic and eutectoid.

Then there is a three-phse reactions diagram below that:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Three-Phase-Reactions.png ,
which should be more clear.

Here is another site which discusses binary phase diagrams.
http://csmres.jmu.edu/geollab/Fichter/IgnRx/BinryEu.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
chound said:
What is eutectic point?
Look at this post from another forum. It may be helpful.

http://www.scienceforums.net/forums/showpost.php?p=183126&postcount=20
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I came.across a headline and read some of the article, so I was curious. Scientists discover that gold is a 'reactive metal' by accidentally creating a new material in the lab https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-that-gold-is-reactive-metal-by-creating-gold-hydride-in-lab-experiment/ From SLAC - A SLAC team unexpectedly formed gold hydride in an experiment that could pave the way for studying materials under extreme conditions like those found inside certain planets and stars undergoing...

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