Thermodynamics Of Crystalline States

Download Thermodynamics Of Crystalline States full books in PDF, epub, and Kindle. Read online Thermodynamics Of Crystalline States ebook anywhere anytime directly on your device. Fast Download speed and no annoying ads. We cannot guarantee that every ebooks is available!

Thermodynamics of Crystalline States

Author : Minoru Fujimoto
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1461450853
Total Pages : 282 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (614 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Thermodynamics of Crystalline States by : Minoru Fujimoto

Download or read book Thermodynamics of Crystalline States written by Minoru Fujimoto and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-01-22 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thermodynamics is a well-established discipline of physics for properties of matter in thermal equilibrium with the surroundings. Applying to crystals, however, the laws encounter undefined properties of crystal lattice, which therefore need to be determined for a clear and well-defined description of crystalline states. Thermodynamics of Crystalline States explores the roles played by order variables and dynamic lattices in crystals in a wholly new way. The book begins by clarifying basic concepts for stable crystals. Next, binary phase transitions are discussed to study collective motion of order variables, as described mostly as classical phenomena. New to this edition is the examination of magnetic crystals, where magnetic symmetry is essential for magnetic phase transitions. The multi-electron system is also discussed theoretically, as a quantum-mechanical example, for superconductivity in metallic crystals. Throughout the book, the role played by the lattice is emphasized and studied in-depth. Thermodynamics of Crystalline States is an introductory treatise and textbook on mesoscopic phenomena in solid states, constituting a basic subject in condensed matter physics. While this book serves as a guide for advanced students in physics and material science, it can also be useful as a reference for all professionals in related fields. Minoru Fujimoto is author of Physics of Classical Electromagnetism (Springer, 2007) and The Physics of Structural Phase Transitions (Springer, 2005).

Applied Mineralogical Thermodynamics

Author : Niranjan D. Chatterjee
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 366202716X
Total Pages : 332 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (62 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Applied Mineralogical Thermodynamics by : Niranjan D. Chatterjee

Download or read book Applied Mineralogical Thermodynamics written by Niranjan D. Chatterjee and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-03-09 with total page 332 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thermodynamic treatment of mineral equilibria, a topic central to mineralogical thermodynamics, can be traced back to the tum of the century, when J. H. Van't Hoff and his associates pioneered in applying thermodynamics to the mineral assemblages observed in the Stassfurt salt deposit. Although other renowned researchers joined forces to develop the subject - H. E. Boeke even tried to popularize it by giving an overview of the early developments in his "Grundlagen der physikalisch-chemischen Petrographie", Berlin, 1915 - it remained, on the whole, an esoteric subject for the majority of the contemporary geological community. Seen that way, mineralogical thermodynamics came of age during the last four decades, and evolved very rapidly into a mainstream discipline of geochemistry. It has contributed enormously to our understanding of the phase equilibria of mineral systems, and has helped put mineralogy and petrology on a firm quantitative basis. In the wake of these developments, academic curricula now require the students of geology to take a course in basic thermodynamics, traditionally offered by the departments of chemistry. Building on that foundation, a supplementary course is generally offered to familiarize the students with diverse mineralogical applications of thermo dynamics. This book draws from the author's experience in giving such a course, and has been tailored to cater to those who have had a previous exposure to the basic concepts of chemical thermodynamics.

From glass to crystal

Author : Daniel R. Neuville
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9782759817832
Total Pages : 645 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (178 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis From glass to crystal by : Daniel R. Neuville

Download or read book From glass to crystal written by Daniel R. Neuville and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page 645 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Glass-ceramics are now commonplace in our daily lives, despite having only been discovered for less than a century. It presents an update on the recent developments concerning the mechanisms of nucleation, crystal growth and phase separation, bringing together theoretical aspects and characterization methods.

Statistical Physics of Crystals and Liquids

Author : Duane C. Wallace
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9812381139
Total Pages : 329 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (123 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Statistical Physics of Crystals and Liquids by : Duane C. Wallace

Download or read book Statistical Physics of Crystals and Liquids written by Duane C. Wallace and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2002 with total page 329 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Presents a unified formulation from first principles of the Hailtonian and statistical mechanics of metallic and insulating crystals, amorphous solids, and liquids.

Advanced Thermodynamics for Engineers

Author : D. Winterbone
Publisher : Butterworth-Heinemann
ISBN 13 : 0080523366
Total Pages : 399 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (85 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Advanced Thermodynamics for Engineers by : D. Winterbone

Download or read book Advanced Thermodynamics for Engineers written by D. Winterbone and published by Butterworth-Heinemann. This book was released on 1996-11-01 with total page 399 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Although the basic theories of thermodynamics are adequately covered by a number of existing texts, there is little literature that addresses more advanced topics. In this comprehensive work the author redresses this balance, drawing on his twenty-five years of experience of teaching thermodynamics at undergraduate and postgraduate level, to produce a definitive text to cover thoroughly, advanced syllabuses. The book introduces the basic concepts which apply over the whole range of new technologies, considering: a new approach to cycles, enabling their irreversibility to be taken into account; a detailed study of combustion to show how the chemical energy in a fuel is converted into thermal energy and emissions; an analysis of fuel cells to give an understanding of the direct conversion of chemical energy to electrical power; a detailed study of property relationships to enable more sophisticated analyses to be made of both high and low temperature plant and irreversible thermodynamics, whose principles might hold a key to new ways of efficiently covering energy to power (e.g. solar energy, fuel cells). Worked examples are included in most of the chapters, followed by exercises with solutions. By developing thermodynamics from an explicitly equilibrium perspective, showing how all systems attempt to reach a state of equilibrium, and the effects of these systems when they cannot, the result is an unparalleled insight into the more advanced considerations when converting any form of energy into power, that will prove invaluable to students and professional engineers of all disciplines.

Thermal analysis of Micro, Nano- and Non-Crystalline Materials

Author : Jaroslav Šesták
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9048131502
Total Pages : 498 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (481 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Thermal analysis of Micro, Nano- and Non-Crystalline Materials by : Jaroslav Šesták

Download or read book Thermal analysis of Micro, Nano- and Non-Crystalline Materials written by Jaroslav Šesták and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-10-28 with total page 498 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thermal Analysis of Micro-, Nano- and Non-Crystalline Materials: Transformation, Crystallization, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics complements and adds to volume 8 Glassy, Amorphous and Nano-Crystalline Materials by providing a coherent and authoritative overview of cutting-edge themes in this field. In particular, the book focuses on reaction thermodynamics and kinetics applied to solid-state chemistry and thermal physics of various states of materials. Written by an international array of distinguished academics, the book deals with fundamental and historical aspects of phenomenological kinetics, equilibrium background of processes, crystal defects, non-stoichiometry and nano-crystallinity, reduced glass-transition temperatures and glass-forming coefficients, determination of the glass transition by DSC, the role of heat transfer and phase transition in DTA experiments, explanation of DTA/DSC methods used for the estimation of crystal nucleation, structural relaxation and viscosity behaviour in glass and associated relaxation kinetics, influence of preliminary nucleation and coupled phenomenological kinetics, nucleation on both the strongly curved surfaces and nano-particles, crystallization of glassy and amorphous materials including oxides, chalcogenides and metals, non-parametric and fractal description of kinetics, disorder and dimensionality in nano-crystalline diamond, thermal analysis of waste glass batches, amorphous inorganic polysialates and bioactivity of hydroxyl groups as well as reaction kinetics and unconventional glass formability of oxide superconductors. Thermal Analysis of Micro-, Nano- and Non-Crystalline Materials: Transformation, Crystallization, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics is a valuable resource to advanced undergraduates, postgraduates, and researches working in the application fields of material thermodynamics, thermal analysis, thermophysical measurements, and calorimetry.

Computational Thermodynamics of Materials

Author : Zi-Kui Liu
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 0521198968
Total Pages : 261 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (211 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Computational Thermodynamics of Materials by : Zi-Kui Liu

Download or read book Computational Thermodynamics of Materials written by Zi-Kui Liu and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2016-06-30 with total page 261 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Integrates fundamental concepts with experimental data and practical applications, including worked examples and end-of-chapter problems.

The Crystalline States of Organic Compounds

Author : Angelo Gavezzotti
Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0128237481
Total Pages : 304 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (282 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Crystalline States of Organic Compounds by : Angelo Gavezzotti

Download or read book The Crystalline States of Organic Compounds written by Angelo Gavezzotti and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2021-11-25 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Crystalline States of Organic Compounds is a broad survey of the techniques by which molecular crystals are investigated, modeled, and applied, starting with the fundamentals of intra- and intermolecular bonding supplemented by a concise tutorial on present-day diffraction methods, then proceeding to an examination of crystallographic databases with their statistics and of such fundamental and fast-growing topics as intermolecular potentials, polymorphism, co-crystallization, and crystal structure prediction by computer. A substantial part of the book is devoted to the techniques of choice in modern simulation, Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics, with their most recent developments and application to formed crystals and to the concomitant phases involved in nucleation and growth. Drawing on the decades-long experience of its author in teaching and research in the field of organic solid state, The Crystalline States of Organic Compounds is an indispensable source of key insights and future directions for students and researchers at any level, in academia and in industry. - Condenses theoretical information and practical methods in a single resource - Provides a guide on the use of crystallographic databases, structure statistics, and molecular simulations - Includes a large number of worked examples and tutorials, with extensive graphics and multimedia

Equilibrium Thermodynamics

Author : Mário J. de Oliveira
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3662532077
Total Pages : 399 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (625 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Equilibrium Thermodynamics by : Mário J. de Oliveira

Download or read book Equilibrium Thermodynamics written by Mário J. de Oliveira and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-03-30 with total page 399 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This textbook provides an exposition of equilibrium thermodynamics and its applications to several areas of physics with particular attention to phase transitions and critical phenomena. The applications include several areas of condensed matter physics and include also a chapter on thermochemistry. Phase transitions and critical phenomena are treated according to the modern development of the field, based on the ideas of universality and on the Widom scaling theory. For each topic, a mean-field or Landau theory is presented to describe qualitatively the phase transitions. These theories include the van der Waals theory of the liquid-vapor transition, the Hildebrand-Heitler theory of regular mixtures, the Griffiths-Landau theory for multicritical points in multicomponent systems, the Bragg-Williams theory of order-disorder in alloys, the Weiss theory of ferromagnetism, the Néel theory of antiferromagnetism, the Devonshire theory for ferroelectrics and Landau-de Gennes theory of liquid crystals. This new edition presents expanded sections on phase transitions, liquid crystals and magnetic systems, for all problems detailed solutions are provided. It is intended for students in physics and chemistry and provides a unique combination of thorough theoretical explanation and presentation of applications in both areas. Chapter summaries, highlighted essentials and problems with solutions enable a self sustained approach and deepen the knowledge. It is intended for students in physics and chemistry and provides a unique combination of thorough theoretical explanation and presentation of applications in both areas. Chapter summaries, highlighted essentials and problems with solutions enable a self sustained approach and deepen the knowledge.

Beyond the Crystalline State

Author : Ganesan Venkataraman
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 3642834345
Total Pages : 216 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (428 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Beyond the Crystalline State by : Ganesan Venkataraman

Download or read book Beyond the Crystalline State written by Ganesan Venkataraman and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Condensed matter exhibits a rich variety of phases. Of these, the crystalline state has, until recently, received most attention. This is not surprising, given the geometric regularity of crystals. At the other extreme one has amorphous materials. In between there are the various types of liquid crystals, the recently discovered quasicrystals, and so on. While the absence of the high degree of regularity that characterizes the crystalline phase is certainly a problem, these noncrystalline states have nevertheless been receiving some attention over the years. However, it is only during the last few years that something like a uni fied view of all these phases has begun to emerge, through an application of various sophisticated concepts. Geometry and symmetry (and unusual realiza tions of the latter) provide a unifying thread in this new and emerging perspec tive. This book is an attempt to capture the flavour of some of these recent de velopments. The approach is substantially descriptive, being intended to be accessible not only to experimental physicists, but also to chemists, materials scientists, metallurgists and ceramicists, whose work borders on physics. The prerequisites for a study of this book are a familiarity with basic solid-state physics and, in places, the elements of group theory and statistical mechanics. A few special topics are included at the end to aid those who wish to pur sure further the subject matter treated here.

Thermodynamics

Author : Jean Vidal
Publisher : Editions OPHRYS
ISBN 13 : 9782710811183
Total Pages : 522 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (111 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Thermodynamics by : Jean Vidal

Download or read book Thermodynamics written by Jean Vidal and published by Editions OPHRYS. This book was released on 1980 with total page 522 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The simulation and optimization of processes assumes that the thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria of the mixtures concerned are well known. This knowledge is still based upon experimentation, but it is also the result of calculation methods based on the principles of thermodynamics that govern them, insure their coherence, and confer upon them a wide range of application. This text is concerned primarily with the description of these methods and their evolution. It devotes extensive space to fundamental concepts and places particular emphasis on the models that, although based on simplified concepts of the subject matter at the molecular level, have predictive character. Computational examples are used to explain the application of these concepts and models. Contents: 1. Principles. Thermodynamic functions. The ideal gas. 2. Properties of pure substances. 3. Predicting thermodynamic properties of pure substances. General principles. Corresponding states. Group contributions. 4. Equations of state. 5. Characterization of mixtures. 6. Mixtures: liquid-vapor equilibria. 7. Deviations from ideality in the liquid phase. 8. Application of equations of state to mixtures. Calculation of liquid-vapor equilibria under pressure. 9. Liquid-liquid and liquid-liquid-vapor equilibria. 10. Fluid-solid equilibria. Crystallization. Hydrates. 11. Polymer solutions and alloys. 12. Multicomponent mixtures. 13. Chemical reactions. Appendixes. Index. Bibliography.

Introduction to the Thermodynamics of Materials

Author : David R. Gaskell
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 1498757014
Total Pages : 694 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (987 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Introduction to the Thermodynamics of Materials by : David R. Gaskell

Download or read book Introduction to the Thermodynamics of Materials written by David R. Gaskell and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2017-08-15 with total page 694 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Maintaining the substance that made Introduction to the Thermodynamic of Materials a perennial best seller for decades, this Sixth Edition is updated to reflect the broadening field of materials science and engineering. The new edition is reorganized into three major sections to align the book for practical coursework, with the first (Thermodynamic Principles) and second (Phase Equilibria) sections aimed at use in a one semester undergraduate course. The third section (Reactions and Transformations) can be used in other courses of the curriculum that deal with oxidation, energy, and phase transformations. The book is updated to include the role of work terms other than PV work (e.g., magnetic work) along with their attendant aspects of entropy, Maxwell equations, and the role of such applied fields on phase diagrams. There is also an increased emphasis on the thermodynamics of phase transformations and the Sixth Edition features an entirely new chapter 15 that links specific thermodynamic applications to the study of phase transformations. The book also features more than 50 new end of chapter problems and more than 50 new figures.

Thermal Analysis of Polymeric Materials

Author : Bernhard Wunderlich
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 3540263608
Total Pages : 908 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (42 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Thermal Analysis of Polymeric Materials by : Bernhard Wunderlich

Download or read book Thermal Analysis of Polymeric Materials written by Bernhard Wunderlich and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2005-12-06 with total page 908 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thermal analysis is an old technique. It has been neglected to some degree because developments of convenient methods of measurement have been slow and teaching of the understanding of the basics of thermal analysis is often wanting. Flexible, linear macromolecules, also not as accurately simply called polymers, make up the final, third, class of molecules which only was identified in 1920. Polymers have neverbeenfullyintegratedintothedisciplinesofscienceandengineering. Thisbook is designed to teach thermal analysis and the understanding of all materials, flexible macromolecules, as well as those of the small molecules and rigid macromolecules. The macroscopic tool of inquiry is thermal analysis, and the results are linked to microscopic molecular structure and motion. Measurements of heat and mass are the two roots of quantitative science. The macroscopic heat is connected to the microscopic atomic motion, while the macroscopic mass is linked to the microscopic atomic structure. The macroscopic unitsofmeasurementofheatandmassarethejouleandthegram,chosentobeeasily discernable by the human senses. The microscopic units of motion and structure are 12 10 the picosecond (10 seconds) and the ångstrom (10 meters), chosen to fit the atomic scales. One notes a factor of 10,000 between the two atomic units when expressed in “human” units, second and gram—with one gram being equal to one cubic centimeter when considering water. Perhaps this is the reason for the much better understanding and greater interest in the structure of materials, being closer to human experience when compared to molecular motion.

Geochemistry

Author : William M. White
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1118485270
Total Pages : 1218 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (184 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Geochemistry by : William M. White

Download or read book Geochemistry written by William M. White and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2013-01-22 with total page 1218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of geochemistry. The book first lays out the ‘geochemical toolbox’: the basic principles and techniques of modern geochemistry, beginning with a review of thermodynamics and kinetics as they apply to the Earth and its environs. These basic concepts are then applied to understanding processes in aqueous systems and the behavior of trace elements in magmatic systems. Subsequent chapters introduce radiogenic and stable isotope geochemistry and illustrate their application to such diverse topics as determining geologic time, ancient climates, and the diets of prehistoric peoples. The focus then broadens to the formation of the solar system, the Earth, and the elements themselves. Then the composition of the Earth itself becomes the topic, examining the composition of the core, the mantle, and the crust and exploring how this structure originated. A final chapter covers organic chemistry, including the origin of fossil fuels and the carbon cycle’s role in controlling Earth’s climate, both in the geologic past and the rapidly changing present. Geochemistry is essential reading for all earth science students, as well as for researchers and applied scientists who require an introduction to the essential theory of geochemistry, and a survey of its applications in the earth and environmental sciences. Additional resources can be found at: www.wiley.com/go/white/geochemistry

Chemical, Biochemical, and Engineering Thermodynamics

Author : Stanley I. Sandler
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 047050479X
Total Pages : 1044 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (75 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Chemical, Biochemical, and Engineering Thermodynamics by : Stanley I. Sandler

Download or read book Chemical, Biochemical, and Engineering Thermodynamics written by Stanley I. Sandler and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2017-04-24 with total page 1044 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this newly revised 5th Edition of Chemical and Engineering Thermodynamics, Sandler presents a modern, applied approach to chemical thermodynamics and provides sufficient detail to develop a solid understanding of the key principles in the field. The text confronts current information on environmental and safety issues and how chemical engineering principles apply in biochemical engineering, bio-technology, polymers, and solid-state-processing. This book is appropriate for the undergraduate and graduate level courses.

Thermodynamics of the Glassy State

Author : Luca Leuzzi
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 9781420012439
Total Pages : 368 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (124 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Thermodynamics of the Glassy State by : Luca Leuzzi

Download or read book Thermodynamics of the Glassy State written by Luca Leuzzi and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2007-10-29 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the past thirty years, the area of spin glasses has experienced rapid growth, including the development of solvable models for glassy systems. Yet these developments have only been recorded in the original research papers, rather than in a single source. Thermodynamics of the Glassy State presents a comprehensive account of the modern theory of glasses, starting from basic principles (thermodynamics) to the experimental analysis of one of the most important consequences of thermodynamics-Maxwell relations. After a brief introduction to general theoretical concepts and historical developments, the book thoroughly describes glassy phenomenology and the established theory. The core of the book surveys the crucial technique of two-temperature thermodynamics, explains the success of this method in resolving previously paradoxical problems in glasses, and presents exactly solvable models, a physically realistic approach to dynamics with advantages over more established mean field methods. The authors also tackle the potential energy landscape approach and discuss more detailed theories of glassy states, including mode coupling, avoided critical point, replica, and random first order transition theories. This reference lucidly explores recent theoretical advances in the thermodynamics of slowing-aging (glassy) systems. It details the general properties of glassy states while also demonstrating how these properties are present in specific models, enabling readers to thoroughly understand this fundamental yet challenging area of study.

The Vitreous State

Author : Ivan S. Gutzow
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 3642346332
Total Pages : 566 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (423 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Vitreous State by : Ivan S. Gutzow

Download or read book The Vitreous State written by Ivan S. Gutzow and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-04-12 with total page 566 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book summarizes the experimental evidence and modern classical and theoretical approaches in understanding the vitreous state, from structural problems, over equilibrium and non-equilibrium thermodynamics, to statistical physics. Glasses, and especially silicate glasses, are only the best known representatives of this particular physical state of matter. Other typical representatives include organic polymer glasses, and many other easily vitrifying organic and inorganic substances, technically important materials, amidst them vitreous water and vitrified aqueous solutions, and also many metallic alloy systems. Some of these systems only form glasses under particular conditions, e.g. through ultra-rapid cooling. This book describes the properties and the formation of both every-day technical glasses and especially of such more exotic forms of vitreous matter. It is a unique source of knowledge and new ideas for materials scientists, engineers and researchers working on condensed matter. The new edition emphasizes latest experimental findings and modern theories, explaining the kinetics of glass formation, the relaxation and stabilization of glasses and their crystallization in terms of new models, derived from the framework of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. It shows how the properties of common technical glasses, window glass, or the vitreous ice kernel of comets can be used to develop a new understanding of the existence of matter in various, unusual forms. The described theories can even find application for the description of lasers and interesting unusual processes in the universe.