theoretical methods for describing, modelling and calculation of phase-chemical transformations without limitations on numbers of components and phases has been developed with the aim of predicting, evaluating and optimizing the rheological properties of substances and materials, based on extreme thermodynamic functions principle (maximum entropy, minimum free energy, etc.). these methods and databases were implemented in the software-information complex Astics for thermodynamic simulation and calculation of phase-chemical transformations in multi-component engineering systems of different nature. the high effectiveness of the approach is illustrated by results obtained for various natural and engineering systems and processesmineral, rock, geochemical, silicate, glass, etc.