Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Structure of Materials

Graduate / Professional

This advanced-level course focuses on the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of materials and how they define structure and properties. We first discuss thermodynamics relevant to materials. This includes thermodynamic laws, auxiliary functions to develop convenient equations of state to describe equilibrium, Gibbs Free Energy ( G ), experimental determination of G , model calculations of G such as ideal solutions and regular solutions, using G curves to construct equilibrium conditions, phase diagram constructions, reading of phase diagrams. We then focus on solidification which we develop from the phenomena of undercooling, nucleation and growth. Combining both allows us to predict microstructures formed during solidification far and close to equilibrium. We also discuss glass formation, the case when nucleation and growth can be suppressed, and the liquid freezes upon cooling into a glass. MW 11:35am-12:50pm