Course content

The course is given every year.
Part I: Theoretical study of thermodynamics with emphasis on Euler-homogenous functions. Generalization of the concept of intensive and extensive variables. Exchange of variable sets using the theory of Legendre transforms. E.g. U(S,V,N) to A(T,V,N), and further on to G(T,p,N). Differentiation of the transformed functions. Extension to multicomponent mixtures. Thermodynamic state functions used in the calculation of phase and reaction equilibria. Computation of thermodynamic state diagrams. Direct substitution and Newton-Lagrange formulation, linear programming. Thermodynamic optimum and stability.

Part II: Individual or team-based project work. Possible topics include: Implementation of thermodynamic models, parameter fitting of experimental data, development of thermodynamic calculation programs.

Learning outcome

1) Overall insight into thermodynamic methodology.
2) Detailed knowledge about thermodynamic equilibrium and stability principles
3) Hands-on experience with the development and implementation of thermodynamic calculation programs.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures (Part I) and individual project work (Part II). Compulsory colloquiums and student presentations in Part II.

Compulsory assignments

• Written essay

Recommended previous knowledge

Theoretical knowledge of thermodynamics for multicomponent systems, numerical methods and linear algebra. It is a big advantage that the student has some prior (practical) knowledge about mathematical modelling and programming.

Required previous knowledge

Thermodynamics, physcial chemistry and linear algebra.

Course materials

1) M. Modell and R. C. Reid "Thermodynamics and Its Applications", 2nd ed., Prentice-Hall, Chapter 9 (30 pp.)
2) H. Callen "Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics", 2nd ed., John Wiley (1985), Chapters 3 and 5 (40 pp.)
3) Private lecture notes (50 pp.)
4) Individually selected articles (ca. 30 pp.)

Credit reductions