Reading a Binary Phase Diagram (lever rule etc.)

In summary, the conversation discussed the phase diagram for a mixture of 20WT% A and 80WT%B, which is allowed to cool slowly from liquid. The first solid appears at around 820-850°C and is the β phase. Its composition is approximately 94%B and 6%A. Just below the eutectic temperature, the phases present are α+β with compositions of 78%A and 22%B for α and 22.9%B and 77.1%A for β. The lever rule is used to calculate the weight fractions of these phases based on the overall composition of the mixture.
  • #1
cookiemnstr510510
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Hello All,
Wanted to see if I am approaching this problem correctly, I have an exam coming up and am pretty sure something like this will show up.

Examine the phase diagram (phase.jpg) with a 20WT% A and 80WT%B which is allowed to cool slowly from liquid

A) what temp does the first solid appear?
B)What phase it is?
C)what is its composition?
D)What phases are present just below the eutectic temperature?
E) What are the compositions of these phases?
F) What are the weight fractions of these phases?

My attempt:

A) From the graph I would say about 820°C
B) The first solid is β phase (since the only things are L+β)
C)The composition is about 94%B and 6%A
D) The phases present just below the eutectic are α+β
E) 91%B and 9%A
F) This is where you have to use the lever rule:
For β phase:
wt%=##\frac{91-72}{91-9}##*100%=22.9%B
The composition of β: 22.9B and 77.1A

For α phase:
wt%=##\frac{72-8}{91-9}##*100%=78%A
The composition of α: 78%A and 22%B

Thanks in advanced!
 

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  • #2
A) To my eye, nearer 840 or 850, but just an estimate.
B) - D) OK
E) Question asks for composition of both phases.
F) The axis about which the lever pivots is not the eutectic composition, but the overall composition of the mixture. (Test your answer: if you have x% α with composition 8% B, and y% β with composition 91% B, do you have 80% B overall?)
 
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1. What is a binary phase diagram?

A binary phase diagram is a graphical representation of the phases and phase boundaries present in a binary system at different temperatures and compositions.

2. What is the lever rule and how is it used in binary phase diagrams?

The lever rule is a mathematical tool used to determine the relative amounts of each phase present in a binary system at a given temperature and composition. It is used by drawing a line from the composition point on the phase diagram to the phase boundary and measuring the distance between the phase boundary and the line. This distance represents the ratio of the two phases present.

3. How do you read a binary phase diagram?

To read a binary phase diagram, first determine the composition of the system and the temperature. Then, locate the composition point on the diagram and draw a line from it to the phase boundary. Use the lever rule to determine the relative amounts of each phase present and locate the corresponding regions on the diagram.

4. What is the significance of the eutectic point in a binary phase diagram?

The eutectic point is the composition and temperature at which a binary system undergoes a eutectic reaction, resulting in the formation of a eutectic mixture. This point is significant because it represents the lowest melting point of the system and the composition at which the two phases are in equilibrium.

5. How can binary phase diagrams be used in materials science?

Binary phase diagrams are used in materials science to understand the behavior of binary systems and to predict the microstructure and properties of materials. They are also used in the design and control of industrial processes such as alloy production and heat treatment.

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