Phase Transformations in Materials: Theory and Simulation

This course focuses on the theory and simulation of phase transformations in materials. Through a combination of traditional lectures and several computational projects, the physics of nucleation, growth, and coarsening behavior of both solid-like and liquid-like multicomponent materials are explored. Computational approaches covered in the class include Langevin equations, Monte Carlo and enhanced sampling methods, thermodynamic integration, Cahn-Hilliard model, and the diffuse interface (phase field) method.