Predicting Composition Dependence of Glass Forming Ability in Ternary Al-Cu-Y System by Thermodynamic Calculation

The composition dependence of glass forming ability in the ternary Al-Cu-Y system is predicted by thermodynamic calculations based on the Miedema’s model and Alonso’s method. By comparing the relative energetic status of the amorphous phase versus the solid solution phase, a hexagonal composition region that energetically favoring the metallic glass formation is predicted. The glass formation driving force and crystallization resistance are further calculated and the composition of Al72Cu10Y18 is pinpointed with the largest glass forming ability in the Al-Cu-Y system. The calculation results are well supported by the experimental observations reported in the literature.