Advances in Thermodynamics of the van der Waals Fluid (Iop Concise Physics)

This book is a comprehensive exposition of the thermodynamic properties of the van der Waals fluid, which evolved out of a course on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics at Iowa State University in the US. The main goal of the book is to provide a graphical overview of the many interesting and diverse thermodynamic properties of the van der Waals fluid through plots of these properties versus various independent parameters. The data for these plots are obtained from formulas derived herein, some of which have previously appeared in the literature. Many results not amenable to graphical illustration are also included. This book will be useful to instructors as a teaching resource and to students as a text supplement of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics courses, as well as to others who are interested in the thermodynamics of the seminal van der Waals fluid.