In this lecture, we present an introduction to simulations of phase transitions in materials. The use of Monte Carlo methods to model phase transitions is described, and the Ising Model is given as an example for modeling the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition. Some of the subtleties of simulating phase transitions are also discussed, including finite size effects and critical slowing down. The concept of linear response is introduced as well.

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• Elif Ertekin, Jeffrey C Grossman (2008), "Computational Nanoscience, Lecture 11: Phase Transitions and the Ising Model," https://nanohub.org/resources/4122.

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1. computational materials science
2. computational science/engineering