Title: Generating thermodynamics phase diagrams using symbolic packages

Authors: Khaled A. Mahdi

Addresses: Chemical Engineering Department, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to use symbolic mathematical programs to help students studying phase equilibrium thermodynamics with the concept of phase diagrams. Given Gibbs free energy of a thermodynamic system, we illustrate the development of programs written in a known symbolic package (Mathematica) to solve and plot the system|s phase diagram showing the spinodal (metastability curve) and binodal (coexistence curve). The program is written in a fashion that enables the students to provide the expression of free energy symbolically and to experiment with different scenarios.

Keywords: symbolic calculation; Gibbs free energy; thermodynamics; phase equilibrium; spinodal; metastability curve; binodal; coexistence curve; phase diagrams; engineering education.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2008.020282

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2008 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.253 - 263

Published online: 14 Sep 2008 *

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