This IMA Volume in Mathematics and its Applications ON THE EVOLUTION OF PHASE BOUNDARIES is based on the proceedings of a workshop which was an integral part of the 1990- 91 IMA program on "Phase Transitions and Free Boundaries". The purpose of the workshop was to bring together mathematicians and other scientists working on the Stefan problem and related theories for modeling physical phenomena that occurs in two phase systems. We thank M.E. Gurtin and G. McFadden for editing the proceedings. We also take this opportunity to thank the National Science Foundation, whose financial support made the workshop possible. A vner Friedman Willard Miller, Jr. PREFACE A primary goal of the IMA workshop on the Evolution of Phase Boundaries from September 17-21, 1990 was to emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of contempo rary research in this field, research which combines ideas from nonlinear partial dif ferential equations, asymptotic analysis, numerical computation, and experimental science. The workshop brought together researchers from several disciplines, includ ing mathematics, physics, and both experimental and theoretical materials science.

This 2006 work began with the author's exploration of the applicability of the finite deformation theory of elasticity when various standard assumptions such as convexity of various energies or ellipticity of the field equations of equilibrium are relinquished. The finite deformation theory of elasticity turns out to be a natural vehicle for the study of phase transitions in solids where thermal effects can be neglected. This text will be of interest to those interested in the development and application of continuum-mechanical models that describe the macroscopic response of materials capable of undergoing stress- or temperature-induced transitions between two solid phases. The focus is on the evolution of phase transitions which may be either dynamic or quasi-static, controlled by a kinetic relation which in the framework of classical thermomechanics represents information that is supplementary to the usual balance principles and constitutive laws of conventional theory.

The material collected in this volume discusses the present as well as expected future directions of development of the field with particular emphasis on applications. The seven survey articles present different topics in Evolutionary PDE's, written by leading experts.- Review of new results in the area- Continuation of previous volumes in the handbook series covering Evolutionary PDEs- Written by leading experts

Phase diagrams are "maps" materials scientists often use to design new materials. They define what compounds and solutions are formed and their respective compositions and amounts when several elements are mixed together under a certain temperature and pressure. This monograph is the most comprehensive reference book on experimental methods for phase diagram determination. It covers a wide range of methods that have been used to determine phase diagrams of metals, ceramics, slags, and hydrides.* Extensive discussion on methodologies of experimental measurements and data assessments * Written by experts around the world, covering both traditional and combinatorial methodologies* A must-read for experimental measurements of phase diagrams