Thermomechanics of Phase Transitions in Classical Field Theory (Series on Advances in Mathematics for Applied Sciences)

The complex processes of state changes can be interpreted by resorting to Statistical Quantum Mechanics. However, it is well known that a phenomenological description of state changes can be obtained by using the classical continuum theory. This book supplies a panoramic picture of known and new mathematical models which are suitable to describe phase changes from a mascroscopic view point. All these models are derived from the theory of continuous systems with a nonmaterial interface and describe processes of solidification, melting and vaporization. The nonlocal continuum theory of systems with a non material interface provides a more complex mathematical model in dealing with crystal growth either in a pure melt or in a mixture. A chapter is devoted to the analysis of phase changes in ferroelectric and ferromagnetic crystals.