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Azad Sonaye
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Can someone tell me the mathematical and physics background i need to perform ab initio calculations to determine thermodynamic properties of materials. I am a Mechanical engineer with a masters in Metallurgy
What sort of thermodynamic properties? What sort of materials?Azad Sonaye said:Can someone tell me the mathematical and physics background i need to perform ab initio calculations to determine thermodynamic properties of materials. I am a Mechanical engineer with a masters in Metallurgy
"Ab initio" is a Latin term meaning "from the beginning" or "from first principles". In the context of thermodynamic calculations, it refers to a method of calculating thermodynamic properties of a material or system using only fundamental physical laws and principles, without relying on any experimental data or empirical models.
To perform ab initio thermodynamic calculations, one would need a strong foundation in quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamics. Additionally, knowledge of computer programming and experience with computational tools and software would also be necessary.
Ab initio thermodynamic calculations can provide highly accurate results, often within a few percent of experimental values. However, the accuracy of the calculations depends on various factors such as the level of theory used, the quality of the computational methods, and the complexity of the system being studied.
Like any modeling or computational method, ab initio thermodynamic calculations also have limitations. These include the complexity of the systems that can be studied, the computational resources required, and the accuracy of the underlying physical models and approximations used.
Ab initio thermodynamic calculations are used in various fields of scientific research, such as materials science, chemistry, and physics. They can help predict and understand the behavior of materials and systems under different conditions, design new materials with desired properties, and provide insights into fundamental physical phenomena at the atomic and molecular level.