Thermodynamics of Crystals

This book places crystalline materials and their structure–property relationships at the center of thermodynamic analysis, unlike conventional thermodynamic texts that introduce concepts and principles through the ideal gas model and focus on applications in chemical systems. It therefore bridges the gap between classical thermodynamics and modern materials science. The author develops the fundamental concepts and laws of thermodynamics through models of crystals. These concepts and laws are then extended to phase transformations, elastic interactions, and the formation of equilibrium macro-, micro-, and nanostructures. The book provides readers with the much-needed conceptual tools to understand important topics in thermodynamics of solid materials, including thermal and mechanical constraints, thermodynamic hysteresis and heterophase structure, as well as the critical role of elastic energy in contemporary material systems such as ferroelastic crystals, nanorods, nanoplates and epitaxial thin films. Distinctive features include: • Introduction of the three laws and key concepts of thermodynamics, using models of crystals, instead of ideal gases, for students/researchers in materials science, metallurgy, solid-state physics, and related engineering disciplines. • A unified structure–property perspective that links thermodynamics directly to the core principles of Materials Science and Engineering. • A focus on single-component crystalline systems, allowing students to master fundamental concepts before advancing to more complex, multi-component materials. • Extensive treatment of elastic interactions and strain engineering in modern nanomaterials. • A flexible organization suitable for both introductory undergraduate courses and advanced graduate-level instruction. • Nearly 100 carefully designed problems, including project-based and advanced exercises that encourage analytical thinking and research-oriented learning.