A RIGOROUS MATHEMATICAL PROOF OF THE AREA METHOD FOR PHASE-STABILITY

The paper introduces new developments of the original AREA method. A r igorous mathematical proof that the equilibrium points are the only on es which satisfy the maximum AREA criterion in the case of a two-compo nent, two-phase system is given for the first time. A rigorous proof t hat the maximum AREA criterion is a necessary but not a sufficient con dition for equilibrium in the case of an N-component, two-phase system is given also for the first time in the paper. Two test examples whic h reinforce the validity of the theoretical results obtained are prese nted and discussed.