The hyperbolic wave theory of first-order phase transitions
Abstract
A hyperbolic wave theory is developed and used to describe the catastrophe in the equation of state for systems exhibiting first-order phase transitions. From the grand canonical ensemble a Burgers equation for the order parameter is derived in the state variables T and nu (temperature and chemical potential). It is found that both shock solutions consistent with the Maxwell equal-area construction and breaking solutions are predicted by this equation and that without stability requirements the grand canonical ensemble does not contain enough information to uniquely determine the solution. Entropy conditions are derived to uniquely determine the shock solution in the coexistence region. It is found that owing to the divergence of the correlation length and relaxation time, the concept of quasistatic change is not valid in the coexistence region, and that a nonequilibrium description must, therefore, be used.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978PhDT.......131C
- Keywords:
-
- Hyperbolic Functions;
- Phase Transformations;
- Waveforms;
- Entropy;
- Equations Of State;
- Perturbation;
- Shock Waves;
- Communications and Radar