Boise State University
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
MSE 508: Solid State Thermodynamics
- Course Syllabus and Objectives -
Spring 2011
Prof. Knowlton
- You are responsible for understanding what is expected of you as outlined in this syllabus Instructor: Bill Knowlton, 202M MEC, 426-5705 (emergency only), BKnowlton@boisestate.edu
Classroom, Date and Time: MEC 206, Tues. & Thurs.; 4-5:50pm
Office Hours: Tues 10-11am; Thurs. 9-10am (or by appointment) – send e-mail (best not to call)
Discussion Section: Wed 10:40-11:30am – Rm. TBA
Grader/TA Office Hours: N/A
Prerequisites: Math 333 (Differential Equations), MSE 308 (Thermodynamics of Materials) or Chem. 322 (P-Chem
Thermo) or ENGR 320 (Thermodynamics I) or Physics 432 (Thermal Physics) or with permission of
instructor.
Course Website: http://coen.boisestate.edu/BKnowlton/ then click on "Courses"
Text Book: Required: Thermodynamics in Materials Science, Robert T. DeHoff, 2nd Edition (Taylor & Francis,
2006).
Highly Recommended:
 Introduction to the Thermodynamics of Materials, David R. Gaskell, 4th ED. (Taylor &
Francis, 2003) ISBN: 1-56032-992-0. I have copies in my office available for check-out for
1 day intervals.
 Schaum's Outlines - Mathematica, Eugene Don
 Course Website Notes – please download and bring to class
Final Exam: Date: Tues, May 10; Time: 3:30-5:30pm; Room: to be determined
 Problem Set
Setss (30%): 12-16 problem sets (NOTE: highest percentage of grade comes from the Prob. Sets!!!)
o There will be considerable computation involved. MSE majors (undergrad and grad) are expected to use the
mathematical software package, Mathematica, as this program is the mathematical software package of
choice by the Dept. of MS&E. Any program submitted to me must be neat, decipherable, and fully
documented with comments. Computer Labs available to COEN students with Mathematica available
include COEN computer labs ET212, ET238, ET237, ET312, MEC402 and MEC103 (if not please let me
know). In addition, you may use other mathematical software packages such as such as Maple or MatLab or
data analysis software such as Origin or JMP. Many Computer labs have Mathematica, Maple & MatLab.
You cannot use EXCEL unless I specify otherwise.
o To receive full credit, you must:
 Turned in problem sets prior to class on Thursday. Late problem sets are not accepted unless it is due
to an excused absence. Excused absences include family emergency, illness, and universityapproved activities. Each student is responsible for contacting the instructor before the problem set is
due if and when an absence is unavoidable. Each student is responsible for checking with the
instructor or a classmate when an absence occurs in order to stay on schedule with class
assignments, readings, etc. Unexcused absences include attending other classes, vacation plans,
work, computer problems, sleep deprivation, Greek activities, etc.. Only students who have
verification of an illness will be automatically excused. Other excuses for absences will either be
determined excused or unexcused by the instructor.
 Submitted problem sets must be legible, neat and decipherable. Your name, problem set number and
date should be included. Multiple page problem sets must be stabled. Problems should be kept in
sequential order.
 When solving each problem, state the question at the beginning of each problem and solve the
problem systematically describing the steps taken throughout the problem. The solution must be
thorough, complete, neat, and decipherable
 You must show all work. That is, your work must be complete.
 Answers must be circled and, if the answer is not unitless, include units as they are required. All
graphs must be thoroughly labeled, have axis titles and units, and detailed explanations. All
submitted software programs must be thoroughly documented with comments and follow the above
criteria.
o Grading – The grader will provide a cursory review of your solution and provide a grade based on being able
to follow and understand your solution. The grade will be based on the final solution and the path to the
solution. If the grader cannot decipher your solution, you will be graded accordingly. Ultimately, you are
responsible for understanding the solution to each problem.
o Not
Notee: Keep in mind that problem sets are the major component of your grade.
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Boise State University
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
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Spring 2011
Prof. Knowlton
Quizzes (20%): every week on Tuesday. If we have over 6 quizzes, then one can be dropped.
Midterm (15%)
Fina
Finall (15%): cumulative
n (5%): answering questions, asking questions, in-class group projects and participation,
Course participatio
participation
providing feedback, office hours, discussion section, hard work, enthusiasm for subject matter, etc., (yes, class
attendance also helps)
Project
Projectss (15%): if projects are not given, points will be split: 5% Final, 5% Midterm, 5% Quiz
o Course Applications – covers applications of material presented the previous class(es) to research, work or
other purpose. Projects will have a significant computational component and will require the use of a
mathematical software packages such as Mathematica, Maple or MathLab. Format will be student
presentations outside of class. Project notes should be handed out to each student in the class, or written
reports in Journal of Applied Physics or IEEE Transaction format. Students will typically work in teams.
Reference all materials used.
Lab
Lab: There will most likely be one or two labs. If so, they will count as a project and follow the project format.
Extr
Extraa Credit Assignment
Assignmentss: Solving computational problems using Mathematica. Typically 2-5 extra credit points
that is applied to your homework grade. Assignments handed in must be formatted, thoroughly documented with
comments, and legible. For students that are not versed in Mathematica, the assignments are listed on the course
website. For students versed in Mathematica, the assignment is a Mathematica program related to the material in
the current problem set. Mathematica is available in Computer Labs including ET 238, ET 212, and ET 213/214
(if not please let me know). EC Assignments are due with problem sets. (THIS IS OPTIONAL).
Grading
Grading: BSU has implemented the +/- grading system. The following grade scale for final grades will be used:
A=100-90%; B+ = 89-87; B = 86-84; B- = 83-80; C+ = 79-77%; C = 76-74%; C- = 73-70%; D = 69-60%; F =
<60% (Note that decimals will be rounded)
Grade Adjustments: Any requests for grade adjustments should be made within one week of the time the grade in
question was returned to you. These requests should be submitted in writing to the instructor with an explanation
of the situation clearly identified.
Othe
Otherr: All quizzes/exams will be closed book, however the equation toolbox may be used. You may need a
calculator and possibly a ruler. Exams will include both problem solving and conceptual or short answers. For
any assignment (problem sets, quizzes, exams, projects, etc.) turned in, you must show all work to receive full
credit. Any requests for grade adjustments should be made within one week of the time the grade in question was
returned to you. These requests should be submitted in writing to the instructor with an explanation of the
situation clearly identified. Working or studying in teams is encouraged. However, homework problems that are
to be graded (and of course quizzes and exams) must be individually derived and submitted. Submitted work
must be legible, neat and decipherable.
Course Objectives: At the end of the course, the student should be able to…
 Use free energy and entropy concepts to formulate the equilibrium conditions of a general system.
 Use a mathematical program to graphically compute free energy composition curves of a binary multi-phase
materials system and use the curves to generate a binary equilibrium phase diagram given certain thermodynamic
materials constants of the materials system.
 Recommend a materials system given certain process criteria and an equilibrium phase diagram of the materials
system.
 Calculate changes in a system’s state variables using materials parameters such as heat capacity, compressibility
and others.
 Apply the Ellingham diagram for oxide reactions and determine stability for oxide systems.
 Explain how capillarity effects drive the physics of many nanoscale phenomena.
 Derive the statistical thermodynamic relations that are thermodynamically equivalent to the classical
thermodynamic relationships.
 Computationally derive and plot equilibrium phase diagrams.
Course Content:
Part I: MaterialsThermodynamics (D = DeHoff, G = Gaskell)
Subject Matter
1.
2.
Variables, Equations of State and State Functions of Thermodynamics
Laws of Thermodynamics
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Week
Covered
1 (Jan.)
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Reading Assignments Textbook Author and
Chapter
D Ch2
D Ch3
Boise State University
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
3.
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10.
Coefficient and Maxwell Relations
Other Free Energies of a Thermodynamic System
Thermodynamic Materials Parameters
Equations of State as a Function of T and P
Equations of State as a Function of Any Two Variables
Extremum Principle and Criterion for Equilibrium
Gibb’s Free Energy and Phase Transformations
Introduction to Thermodynamics of Reactions and
Transformations
11. Clausius Claypeyron and Arrhenius Behavior of
Transformations
12. Partial Molar Properties (PMP)
a. PMPs and Free Energy of Mixing
b. Finding Free Energy of Mixing
i. Tangent method
ii. Gibbs-Duhem Intergration method
c. PMPs in Multicomponent Systems/Solutions
i. Activity and Activity Constant of Solutions
ii. Raoult’s Law
iii. Henry’s Law
13. Solution Models
a. Ideal Solution Model
i. Partial Pressure
ii. Free Energies
b. Regular Solution Model
i. Ideal and Excess of Ideal
ii. Hildebrand Paper
iii. Beyond Regular Solution Model
Midterm
14. Heterogeneous (Multiphase) – Multicomponent Systems
15. Phase Diagrams – Graphical Depiction
Part II: Advanced Topics in Materials Thermodynamics
16. Mathematical Derivation and Generation of Phase Diagrams
Spring Break
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Statistical Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics of Reactions
Electrochemical Thermodynamics
Capillarity/Capillary Theory
Spinodal decomposition & Distribution Functions
Spring 2011
Prof. Knowlton
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D Ch4
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D Ch5
D Ch4, G Ch6
D Ch4, G Ch6
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D Ch7; G Ch7
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7 (Mar)
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D Ch8, G Ch9
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D Ch8.7, G Ch9
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Phase
Phase
9-11
Between
10 & 11
12-13
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14 (May)
14-15
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D Ch9, G Ch9
D Ch10, G Ch10
D Ch10, G Ch10
D Ch5, G Ch4
D Ch11, G Ch11-13
D Ch15
D Ch12
D Ch10
Suggested & Recommended Textbooks
1. Thermodynamics of Materials, John B. Hudson, 1st Ed, (Wiley, 1996)
2. Phase Equilibia Phase Diagrams and Phase Transformations – Their Thermodynamic Basis, Mats Hillert,
(Cambridge University Press, 1998)
3. Chemical Thermodynamics of Materials, C.H.P. Lupis (Prentice Hall, 1983)
4. Physical Chemistry, P. Atkins & J. de Paula, 7th Edition (Bedford, Freeman & Worth, 2002).
5. The Principles of Chemical Equilibrium, Kenneth Denbigh, 4th Ed. (Cambridge University Press, 1981)
6. Physical Chemistry, R. Silbey, R. Alberty and M. Bawendi, 4th Ed. (Wiley,2005)
7. Chemical Thermodynamics, Peter A. Rock (University Science Books, 1983)
8. Principles of Physical Chemistry, L.M. Raff, 1st Ed., (Prentice Hall, 2001).
Academic Professionalism in Class:
Respect goes both ways – Please be respectful to everyone in class (not disruptive) and I will be respectful when
interacting with you.
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Boise State University
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Spring 2011
Prof. Knowlton
Information on: Academic Honesty and Dismissal & Student Code of Conduct - Section 18 - Academic Misconduct
(see 5-6)
 Scientific and Professional Misconduct:
o Troubling News - Rise & Fall of Bell Labs Physicist - 2002
o Rise & Fall of Renowned Stem Cell Researcher - 2006
Go to course website: http://coen.boisestate.edu/bknowlton/bill_knowltonBSU%20Course%20Info.htm
Days I will be Traveling: (we will make up these days)
 February 9-11, 2010 (Wed-Fri) NASA Langley
 April 11-15, 2010 (Mon-Fri) Foundations of Nanoscience Conference
 April/May, Trip to China
Make up days: to be determined
Important information for non-degree seeking students: Boise State University policy requires that
the program of study leading to a master’s degree must include at least 30 total credits. In all
cases, at least two thirds of the total credit requirement must be earned at Boise State University
since admission to the program. All credit must be approved for application by the chair of the
supervisory committee or the advisor.
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