Determination of eutectic compositions in complex metal systems

The zone-melting technique has been used for determining eutectic compositions in complex metal systems. The application of this technique is demonstrated in a ternary system, Mg-Al-Zn, in which the literature is uncertain as to the composition of the ternary eutectic; in a quaternary system, Al-Mg-Zn-Si, in which the eutectic composition is unknown, and in a complex system, Al-Mg-Zn-Cu-Sn-Pb, in which the eutectic composition cannot possibly be determined using the conventional method. The advantages and disadvantages of the unique approach for the determination of the eutectic composition are discussed.