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Thermodynamics applied to earth materials
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:23
Abstract
This course develops the thermodynamic concepts necessary to predict phase equilibria and to compute physical properties from thermodynamic data.
Objective
To provide students with the conceptual and practical skills necessary to implement thermodynamic models and data as provided in the earth science literature. The computer software package Maple is relied upon to allow students to solve realistic problems without the distraction of mathematical details.
Content
Elementary concepts (1st and 2nd Laws; composition, state and extent); stability criteria; Legendre transforms; Maxwell relations and other manipulations of thermodynamic functions; calculation of Gibbs energy for a pure solid; simple solution models; order-disorder solution models; reciprocal solution models; equations of state for molecular fluids; free energy minimization. This course is neither an introduction to computer methods for calculating petrological phase equilibria nor an introduction to phase diagram methods, students interested in such methods should consider the courses "Computational techniques in petrology" (651-4098-00L) given by M. J. Caddick and "Phase petrology" (651-4223-00L) given by A.B. Thompson.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Thermodynamics applied to earth materials |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (Elective courses from the entire choice of ETHZ and UZH courses, in agreement with the MSc committee)
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