Thermomechanics of Phase Transitions in Classical Field Theory

The complex processes of state changes can be interpreted by resorting to Statistical Quantum Mechanics. However, it is well known that a phenomenological description of state changes can be obtained by using the classical continuum theory. This book supplies a panoramic picture of known and new mathematical models which are suitable to describe phase changes from a macroscopic view point. All these models are derived from the theory of continuous systems with a nonmaterial interface and allow to describe processes of solidification, melting, and vaporization. The nonlocal continuum theory of systems with a non material interface provides a more complex mathematical model in dealing with crystal growth either in a pure melt or in a mixture. A chapter is devoted to the analysis of phase changes in ferroelectric and ferromagnetic crystals.