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Mike Powers, F.A.S.M. In the first two articles of this series we explored basic definitions and concepts associated with thermodynamic systems and investigated the Laws of Thermodynamics and their implications for process spontaneity, process irreversibility and the importance of the Gibbs free energy.  Now we move on to understanding the principles of the Young Equation and how it describes wetting of solids by liquids. I would like to start off with a brief eulogy to Thomas Young (Fig. 1), a…

by Mike Powers, F.A.S.M. In part 1 of this article we explored the definition of a thermodynamic system, the transfer of matter and energy across system boundaries, what is meant by system equilibrium, the definition of state functions, and the modes of energy transfer as expressed by work and heat.  In part 2 we will investigate the Laws of Thermodynamics and their implications for process spontaneity, process irreversibility and the importance of the Gibbs free energy. For our purposes, we…

by Mike Powers, F.A.S.M. This is the first in a series of articles addressing traditional and contemporary methods for heat treating and brazing of advanced engineering materials.  The objective is to emphasize the basic thermodynamic principles underlying practical applications in materials processing.  To that end, I will begin with a presentation of some important thermodynamic concepts. Traditionally, the branch of physical science known as chemical thermodynamics is generally viewed as distinctly dry and boring.  However, I am not one who…