Empirical methods of predicting and representing thermodynamic properties of ternary solution phases

Abstract Various empirical methods of predicting the properties of a ternary system from its binary components are reviewed and their generalization to higher systems is discussed, The methods are compared by applying the subregular solution model and expressions are derived which allow a direct comparison. For symmetric treatments, a numerical method and equivalent analytical methods are recommended for universal usage. For asymmetric treatments, a numerical method is recommended but the possibility of treating such cases by transforming an asymmetric ternary system into a reciprocal system and using a formally symmetric description is emphasized.