Syllabus

Module 1: Basic thermodynamics: introduction and terminology, Review of basic physical chemistry, Equilibrium and types, Zeroth law of thermodynamics, Concepts of heat, work, internal energy, Enthalpy of processes, First law of thermodynamics, Born-Haber cycle.

Module 2: Second law of thermodynamics, Combined 1st and 2nd law, Efficiency, Statistical interpretation of entropy, Boltzmann equation, Entropy and disorder, Third law of thermodynamics.

Module 3: Auxiliary thermodynamic functions, Helmholtz free energy, Gibbs free energy, Chemical potential, Maxwell’s relations, Thermodynamic representation of processes, Gibbs-Helmholtz equation.

Module 5: Phase equilibria in single component systems, Variation of Gibbs free energy with pressure and temperature, Clausius-Clapeyron equation, P-T diagrams.

Module 6: Reaction equilibria in homogeneous gas mixtures, Effect of pressure and temperature on equilibrium constant.

Module 7: Reaction between gases and condensed phases, Oxidation of metals, equilibrium partial pressure of oxidation, Effect of temperature, Relative oxidation, Ellingham-Richardson diagrams.

Module 8: Thermodynamics of solutions, Raoult’s law, Henry’s law, Fugacity, Activity of components, Regular solutions, Gibbs-Duhem equation, Sub-regular solutions, Excess thermodynamic functions.

Module 9: Gibbs phase rule, Lever rule, Basics of free energy and composition diagrams for binary systems, Examples of eutectic, eutectoid, and peritectic systems.

To impart a basic understanding of various thermodynamic processes in materials systems at undergraduate level to Ceramic engineering students.

To provide fundamental understanding of thermodynamic principles that govern industrial ceramic processes, including oxidation, reduction, melting/solidification, phase transformation in materials.

To be able to apply fundamental thermodynamic principles for engineering solutions and for the development of new materials and processes.

CO1: Ability to apply basic thermodynamic principles to understand natural and synthetic materials processes.
CO2: Ability to understand phase stability and the influence of thermodynamic variables in single and multicomponent ceramic and metal systems.
CO3: Ability to independently solve numerical problems and case studies related to thermodynamic processes in ceramics and materials.
CO4: Ability to apply thermodynamic principles to carry out independent research for the development of new ceramics, alloys, materials, and composites.

David R Gaskell, Introduction to the Thermodynamics of Materials, CRC Press

Richard A Swalin, Thermodynamics of Solids, Wiley-VCH

David V Ragone, Thermodynamics of Materials: Volume I and II, MIT Series in Materials Science and Engineering

Ahindra Ghosh, Textbook of Materials and Metallurgical Thermodynamics, PHI