MSE 5830 - Thermodynamics of Condensed Systems

Fall. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: background equivalent to MATH 2930 and elements of MSE 2610, or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to: graduate students. Co-meets with MSE 3030.

M. Thompson.

Introduces the three laws of thermodynamics as the fundamental basis for thermal and chemical equilibrium, coupled with statistical mechanical interpretations for entropy. Applies these principles to understand the equilibrium behavior of matter, with a focus on condensed liquid and solid phases. Develops concepts of phase equilibria, phase diagrams, chemical reactions, solution behavior and electrochemistry. Includes an introduction to statistical mechanics and applications in ideal gas behavior, gas and crystal heat capacity, and electron Fermi-Dirac statistics. Applications and examples will be drawn from a range of sub-disciplines spanning metallurgy to polymers. Extended assignments and independent study of advanced concepts required.