Cluster-based composition rules for ternary alloy systems

The cluster-based composition rule in ternary alloy systems including quasicrystals, bulk metallic glasses, crystalline phases and Lave phases-related body-centered cubic (BCC) solid solution forming systems was summarized. The so-called cluster line in a ternary phase diagram refers to a straight composition line linking a specific binary cluster to the third element. The composition ranges of quasicrystals and bulk metallic glasses can be determined by the direct use of cluster lines, where two cluster lines intersect at the optimum phase forming composition. Furthermore, the alloys on the cluster line in Laves phase-related BCC solid solution alloy systems have larger hydrogen storage capacities.