Ab-initio calculation of enthalpies of formation of intermetallic compounds and enthalpies of mixing of solid solutions

A large number of ab-initio calculations of energies of formation of intermetallic compounds have been performed in the last 15 years. The currently used methods are listed. The paper presents a review of the aluminium based compounds which have been studied. Comparisons of calculated and experimental enthalpies of formation are provided for aluminim-3d and-4d transition metal alloys at equiatomic composition. The modelling of the enthalpies of mixing of solid solutions based on a given lattice is described.