Solids: Thermodynamics and Bonding

THERMODYNAMICS

· Thermodynamics describes an equilibrium state of a system in terms of an Equation of State which links the parameters (p, v, T).
· The equilibrium condition of the system lies on a surface of state, and processes taking place in equilibrium follow paths on this surface.
· The diagram shows a surface of state for a material that contracts on freezing.
· Two phase zones on this surface are normal to the (p, T) plane, and project onto it a single lines.

From: Ragone, "Thermodynamics of Materials," Wiley (1995)