This course will develop student's knowledge of the formal structure of thermodynamics as it applies to all physical systems, the use of statistical mechanics to provide microscopic models for thermodynamic quantities, and the application of thermodynamics to problems in materials science and engineering.

The course covers the formal structure of thermodynamics, from the postulates underlying the theory to general relationships among thermodynamic quantities and connection to properties like phase stability and heat engines. Statistical mechanics is treated to the extent necessary to understand its role as a microscopic theory underlying thermodynamics. Finally, application areas of multicomponent alloys, interfaces, electrochemistry, and modern materials (polymers, ferroelectrics, etc.) are studied.

50 minutes 3 times per week.

The following statement indicates which of the following considerations are included in this course: economic, environmental, ethical, political, societal, health and safety, manufacturability, sustainability.

100% of the course contributes to student knowledge of engineering topics.

This course is primarily a graduate course but taken by some advanced undergraduates. The course provides knowledge of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics that is an essential tool in many areas of modern materials science and engineering. The course gives students the foundation upon which to develop more specialized, problem specific, understanding throughout their careers.

Students will be assigned primarily through three lengthy (2-3hours) examinations with detailed questions covering most of the topics in the course.