151-0528-00L  Theory of Phase Transitions

SemesterSpring Semester 2021
LecturersL. Guin, D. Kochmann
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractThis course addresses two major examples of phase transitions, namely solid-solid phase transformations and solidification. We focus on the modeling of the propagation of phase boundaries (surface of strain discontinuity or solidification front) in continuum media. Both the sharp-interface model and related numerical modeling techniques based on the phase-field method are introduced.
ObjectiveThe students are able to:
- Use mechanical and/or thermodynamic balance laws to formulate a continuum model for problems involving phase transformations in 1D, 2D, and 3D.
- Distinguish between the different modeling techniques used for the propagation of phase boundaries and discuss their underlying assumptions.
- Apply the concepts of thermodynamics to continuous media in order to derive thermodynamically consistent models.
- Model the evolution of a solidification front using the phase-field method.
Content1. Mechanics of bars
2. The Ericksen’s bar problem: solid-solid phase transformation in 1D
3. Review of classical thermodynamics
4. Continuum theory for phase boundaries in 3D
5. Solidification: a free-boundary problem with interfacial structure
6. Phase-field model for solidification
7. Selected topics involving phase transitions
Lecture notesLecture notes will be provided for reference. Students are strongly encouraged to take their own notes during class.
LiteratureNo textbook required; relevant reference material will be suggested.
Prerequisites / NoticeContinuum Mechanics I. Having taken or taking Continuum Mechanics II in parallel would be helpful.