Density Contour Diagram

Purpose: Learn to calculate density contour diagram. In this example, the density contour lines will be plotted in the Al-Mg binary phase diagram so that density at different temperatures and compositions can be viewed together with phase stability.

Module: PanPhaseDiagram

Thermodynamic and molar volume Database AlMg_MV.tdb

Batch file: Example_#1.14.pbfx

Calculation Procedures:

  • Load AlMg_MV.tdb following the procedure in Pandat User's Guide: Load Database , and select Al and Mg two components;

  • First set up the calculation condition as shown in Figure 1 in the same way as we did to calculate Al-Mg binary phase diagram (see Al-Mg Binary Phase Diagram), then click “Contour Lines” to open the contour line dialog as shown in Figure 2;

    Figure 1:  Setup calculation for the Al-Mg binary phase diagram, then press “Contour Lines”

  • Choose “Density” and click Add. the contour type of density will be added as shown in Figure 2, then press OK;

    Figure 2:  Add “density” contour lines in the "set contour lines" window

Post Calculation Operation:

  • Change graph appearance following the procedure in Pandat User's Guide: Property;

  • Label each line by putting the cursor on each line and wait for the tool tip to pop out, then press F2;

Information obtained from this calculation:

  • Figure 3 shows the density contour diagram, i.e., plotting density contour lines on top of the Al-Mg binary phase diagram. The density on the same red line is constant;

  • Density contour diagram is very useful in alloy design. Given the requirements on stable phases and alloy density, the alloy compositions can be identified from this one diagram;

Figure 3:  Density contour diagram for the Al-Mg binary system