Calculation of ternary interdiffusion coefficients using a single diffusion couple

In this paper, the simple numerical algorithm is proposed that enables to estimate ternary interdiffusion coefficients D in systems with not too strongly interacting components. D's are obtained from measurement with a single model diffusion couple. They can be used to predict concentration curves C-i(x) (i = 1, 2, 3) in arbitrary time with numerical errors that are comparable with experimental errors of measurement of c(i) itself and comply with theoretical constraints following from the linear irreversible thermodynamics. The algorithm does not need any external thermodynamic data and external measurements (e.g., it is not necessary to measure the shift of inert markers in the interface). It can be applied using commonly accessible SW, and it is not time-consuming. Values of D are close to those obtained with the help of much more laborious experimental - also approximate - methods.