What is a Ternary Plot?

A ternary plot, also known as a barycentric plot, is a graphical representation used to depict the ratios of three variables that sum to a constant. This type of plot is particularly useful in fields such as physical chemistry, petrology, mineralogy, metallurgy, and other physical sciences for visualizing the compositions of systems composed of three different species. By representing each ratio as a position within an equilateral triangle, ternary plots effectively convey complex compositional data in three dimensions.

In addition to their use in scientific disciplines, ternary plots can be generated using specialized software tools. One such tool is available at TernaryPlot.com, a website that provides users with the capability to create ternary plots online. This website operates entirely in the client's browser, using javascript to build the plots, and it stores data locally to enhance user experience. As a valuable resource for individuals needing to analyze compositional data, TernaryPlot.com offers its services free of charge and maintains an ad-free environment, relying solely on donations for its continued operation.

The versatility of ternary plots is further showcased in their application to create phase diagrams. These diagrams are instrumental in outlining the composition regions where different phases exist, thereby providing a deeper understanding of the phase relationships in a system. Ternary plots empower researchers and scientists to analyze and interpret data in a clear, concise manner, revealing insights that may not be as apparent in traditional two-dimensional graphs.

Excel Ternary Plot Plugins

XLSTAT Plugin Activation

To activate the XLSTAT plugin for creating ternary diagrams in Excel, the user must navigate to the XLSTAT / Visualizing data / Ternary diagrams command.

Display Features in XLSTAT

The XLSTAT plugin enhances ternary diagrams with additional display features, such as the ability to project lines on the ternary diagram and to include labels for clarification and better data representation.

Real-Time Ternary Diagram Updates

With the XLSTAT plugin, users have the capability to link the ternary diagram to input data. This enables the diagram to update in real time whenever there are modifications to the input data, ensuring that the visualization is always current with the latest information.

Creating Ternary Diagrams

Ternary diagrams can be efficiently created using the XLSTAT software. After selecting the appropriate command, users can select their data on the Excel sheet within the General tab. There is also the option to use the Groups feature to color code observation points according to their respective groups.

Customizing Ternary Diagrams

Users can customize their ternary diagrams by utilizing the Charts tab, which allows for the definition of a specific triangular area to focus on within the plot. This customization facilitates a more targeted analysis of the data represented in the ternary diagram.

Common Use Cases

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  Use case 1: Creating equilibrium phase diagrams for chemical engineering and materials science studies, such as vapor-liquid, solid-liquid, and liquid-liquid systems.
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  Use case 2: Analyzing and visualizing the composition of mixtures in mixed solvent systems using triangular phase diagrams.
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  Use case 3: Constructing phase diagrams for systems with three to five ions, to assist in the study of complex chemical systems.
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  Use case 4: Representing the water content in phase diagrams through the use of a third dimension or contour lines for systems including water.
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  Use case 5: Visualizing areas of saturation and stable solid phases in salt-water systems with contour lines for water content and the content of the salt that is saturated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a ternary diagram in Excel?

To create a ternary diagram in Excel, you can use the XLSTAT software which has a specific command for creating ternary diagrams. Input your data in a sheet in Excel, selecting only two out of three coordinates due to the constant sum constraint, and use the command to generate the plot.

Can I group and color observations differently in the ternary diagram?

Yes, in the ternary diagram, observations can be grouped and colored differently based on their group. This helps in the visual differentiation of data sets.

Is it possible to plot data outside the ternary plot bounds?

Negative values can be entered to plot points outside the ternary plot bounds. This feature allows for flexibility in representing data that does not fit within the standard ternary plot constraints.

How can I label the yields on the ternary plot?

Yields can be labeled directly on the ternary plot, providing a clear and informative presentation of the data's outcomes within the diagram.

What should I do if I encounter a problem while plotting on the ternary plot plugin?

If you encounter a problem while plotting, it might be due to bugs. You are encouraged to report these issues via the feedback form available so that they can be addressed.