Thermodynamics of Materials, Volume 1

About the Book Thermodynamics of Materials, Volumes I & II goes beyond traditional texts to illustrate the applicability of thermodynamics to the specific classes of materials that are part of a curriculum in materials science and engineering. The text is written from both science and engineering perspectives so that students will be able to understand and apply the knowledge generated by scientists and communicate with and serve the needs of all engineers. In addition to a presentation based on classical thermodynamics, the text: Takes an Open System approach to the First and Second Laws.Includes a chapter on Statistical Thermodynamics that provides the background for understanding kinetic mechanisms and the behavior of polymers.Treats physical as well as chemical equilibrium to assist student understanding of phase transitions.Provides good problem sets that are thoroughly class-tested.Discusses surfaces and interfaces-- an important area as electronic materials get smaller.

About the Author David V. Ragone received his S. B., S. M., and Sc.D. degrees in metallurgical engineering from MIT. He taught undergraduate and graduate courses in thermodynamics at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor from 1953 to 1962. From 1962 to 1967, as chairman of the materials department and assistant director of the Hopkins laboratory at the General Atomic Division of General Dynamics, he directed research on materials for advanced, high-temperature, gas-cooled nuclear reactors. He then served as Alcoa Professor of Metallurgy at the Carnegie- Mellon University, where he was also Associate Dean of Urban and Public Affairs. In 1970, he was named dean of the Thayer School at Dartmouth, and returned to the University of Michigan as Dean of Engineering in 1972. In 1980, he was named President of the Case Western University, where he served until 1987. He returned to teaching undergraduate courses in thermodynamics and the physical chemistry of materials at MIT in 1988, and began writing texts shortly thereafter. In addition to his appointment at MIT, David Ragone is a partner in Ampersand Ventures, a firm whose focus is on ventures in specialty materials and chemicals. He has also served as a member of the National Science Board and as a director of more than a dozen public and private companies. His professional society memberships include ASM, AIME, and ACS.