Thermomechanics of Phase Transition Phenomena in Classical Field Theories.

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 mascroscopic view point.;All these models are derived from the theory of continuous systems with a nonmaterial interface and 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.