Thermodynamics is the very basic science to appreciate all engineering disciplines, more particularly the chemical, metallurgical and mechanical engineering in terms of the efficiencies in various related operations that is why metallurgical thermodynamics has been developed specifically to understand the metallurgical engineering processes and their energy efficiencies. Any change is driven by the potential driving it. Thermodynamics is the tool to appreciate that potential and to assess the related energy efficiency. Hence thermodynamics is the basic tool that helps to assess finally the economics of any metallurgical process. The more one understands it the better. The present book attempts to explain the very basic thermodynamic concepts underlying metallurgical engineering operations and therefore the related economics.

This book is dedicated to the processes of mineral transformation, recycling and reclamation of metals, for the purpose of turning metals and alloys into a liquid state ready for pouring. Even though "process metallurgy" is one of the oldest technologies implemented by man, technological innovation, with the development of processes that are both focused on product quality and economically and ecologically efficient, continues to be at the heart of these industries. This book explains the physico-chemical bases of transformations, vital to their understanding and control (optimization of operational conditions), and the foundations in terms of "process engineering" (heat and matter assessment, process coupling: chemical reactions and transport phenomena), vital to the optimal execution and analysis of transformation process operations. This book is addressed to students in the field of metallurgy and to engineers facing the problem of metal and alloy development (operation of an industrial unit or development of a new process).

The Series in Metallurgy and Materials Science was initiated during the Diamond Jubilee of the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM). In the last decade the progress in the study and development of metallurgy and materials science, their applications, as well as the techniques for processing and characterizing them has been rapid and extensive. With the help of an expert editorial panel of international and national scientists, the series aims to make this information available to a wide spectrum of readers. This book is the third textbook in the series. Principles of Metallurgical Thermodynamics deals with the thermodynamics of reactive systems, with emphasis on the reactivity of metals and materials being used by metallurgical and materials scientists all over the world. Though the focus is on equilibrium thermodynamics, it also touches upon some methods to incorporate non-equilibrium effects relevant to material scientists. This knowledge will enable students to solve the challenging problems faced during operation in different materials-processing routes. It will also help in the search for new substances that might revolutionize high as well as low temperature applications because of their super-fluid and super-conducting properties, outer space environmental adaptability, and more attractive electrical, magnetic, and dielectric properties.

Problems in Metallurgical Thermodynamics and Kinetics provides an illustration of the calculations encountered in the study of metallurgical thermodynamics and kinetics, focusing on theoretical concepts and practical applications. The chapters of this book provide comprehensive account of the theories, including basic and applied numerical examples with solutions. Unsolved numerical examples drawn from a wide range of metallurgical processes are also provided at the end of each chapter. The topics discussed include the three laws of thermodynamics; Clausius-Clapeyron equation; fugacity, activity, and equilibrium constant; thermodynamics of electrochemical cells; and kinetics. This book is beneficial to undergraduate and postgraduate students in universities, polytechnics, and technical colleges.

"The CD contains data and descriptive material for making detailed thermodynamic calculations involving materials processing"--Preface.