Abstract
The function fBA-which defines the degree by which an A atom is surrounded by neighbours of B atoms in Miedema's semi-empirical model and is used for the calculation of the formation enthalpy of crystalline alloys-is modified for amorphous alloys. For the five alloy systems considered, the fBA function turns out to be well described by fBA=cBs(1+5(cAscBs)2). This fBA also reflects the existence of chemical short-range order. In addition, Buschow's prediction for the crystallisation temperature of amorphous alloys is modified using this fBA, resulting in the relation Tx=5 Delta Hhs+275, where Delta Hhs represents the formation enthalpy of a hole of the same size as the smaller atom.