TUTORIAL
CHAPTER 7: PHASE DIAGRAM
BMFG 1213 ENGINEERING MATERIALS SEM 2 2022/2023
TUTORIAL ANSWERS
Q1 Figure 1 shows a phase diagram of Cu- Ni alloy which having a complete solid solubility in each element.
(a) Name with justification the type of binary system of the phase diagram.
Answer
Type: Binary Isomorphous system
Justification: The binary isomorphous alloy system is a two-component system in which
the two elements are completely soluble in each other in the liquid and solid states
and form a single type of crystal structure for all compositions.
(b) Explain TWO (2) ideal conditions for Cu and Ni to produce a complete solubility in each element as
shown in Figure 1.
Answer
1. Th- crystal structure of each element of the solid solution must be the same
2. Th- size of the atoms of each of the two elements must not differ by more than 15%
3. Th- elements should not form compounds with each other. That is, there should be not
appreciable difference in the electronegative of the two elements
4. Th- elements should have the same electron valence
(c) Cite THREE (3) variables that determine the microstructure of an alloy of composition 50 wt.% Ni-
50 wt. Cu.
Answer
1. Th- alloying elements present
2. Th- concentrations of these alloying elements
3. Th- heat treatment of the alloy
QUESTION 2
Consider an alloy containing 70 wt.% Ni and 30 wt.% Cu in the following Figure 2.
(a) At 1350°C, make a phase analysis assuming equilibrium condition. In the phase analysis, include the
following:
i. Identify the phase present.
ii. Determine the chemical composition of each phase.
iii. Calculate the amount of each phase
(b) Make a similar phase analysis at 1500°C
ANSWER:
(c) Sketch the microstructure of an alloy at 1350°C and 1500°C by using a circular microscopic field.
ANSWER:
Figure 2: Cu-Ni phase diagram
QUESTION 3
(a) Define
i. A phase in a material
ii. A phase diagram
ANSWER:
Define
i. A phase in a material – A phase in a material is a microscopic region that differs in structure and /or
composition from another region.
ii.A phase diagram – A phase diagram is a graphical representation of the phases present within a
material system for a range of temperatures, pressures, and compositions.
(b) Discuss three (3) functions of phase diagram in materials engineering application.
ANSWER:
Three functions of phase diagram in materials engineering application:
1. Provide valuable information about systems at equilibrium
2. Assist in predicting phase relations, compositional changes, and structures in
systems not at equilibrium
3. Map the number and types of phases that are present, the composition of each
phase, and the microstructures that exist.
4. To determine the heat treatment for alloys.
(c) Figure 3 shows the Pb-Sn phase diagram. For a 40 wt.% Sn – 60 wt.% Pb alloy at 150°C, solve the
following:
i. List the phases present in the alloy.
ii. Determine the composition of the phases present
iii. Calculate the relative amount of each phase present in terms of mass fraction.