PYroMat: A Python package for thermodynamic properties

Abstract

Lookup of thermodynamic properties of substances is a common task in numerous engineering disciplines and is also an important skill taught to students in several common engineering disciplines. While properties were traditionally found using tables of thermodynamic data, availability of modern software has essentially eliminated the need for laborious use of tables, and has created opportunities to support quick iteration and revision of calculations. As thermodynamic data are published in a variety of formats, it is necessary for software to provide a standardized interface to operate on a number of different data source formats. Additionally, thermodynamic software needs to be numerically efficient and robust, to deal with the diverse computational methodologies required to produce property calculations. PYroMat seeks to create a tool that meets these needs and can grow with users at different levels of expertise. It offers a low barrier to entry and is easy enough for students to use, but also powerful and flexible enough to serve the needs of engineering professionals and scientific researchers.